Ian
Wright thinks there are "rumblings of discontent" at Chelsea this season and
does not believe manager Antonio Conte looks happy.
The Blues slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday
after an error-strewn display.
While the result might not be too costly in the competition, it is not the
first time the defending Premier League champions have failed to perform
this season.
And former England and Arsenal striker Wright said on
The Debate on Sky
Sports Premier League: "I think there is something going on.
"It was a bad performance. The players seem to be mirroring the attitude of
the manager in his press conferences, rather than the guy that when they
score you see the energy burst out of him.
"It seems like there has been rumblings of discontent from the start of the
season and it seems to be carrying on now. He just doesn't seem happy
there."
There was speculation over Conte's future in the summer until he signed a
new deal, although that only increased his salary and did not extend his
time at the club.
Wright said: "When he signed a contract and they gave him more money but no
extension; when you have won the Premier League I found that very strange.
That you wouldn't want to keep a manager like that or a manager like that
wouldn't want to stay and want more years to get it right."
There have been suggestions that some players have been unhappy with Conte's
training methods this season as Chelsea, who face Manchester United on
Sunday on
Sky Sports Premier League, look to balance the Premier
League and Champions League.
But Wright said: "I could understand that if we are after Christmas and it's
not going well, but are we far enough in the season to say the players are
tired?
"Yes the manager has intense training sessions, but you know that, they had
it last season. They didn't have the Champions League, but I don't think
that's an excuse. I think it's too early to say tiredness is starting to
affect them."
Matt Le Tissier agreed with Wright, and added: "It all stems from the
manager and his demeanour.
"You see him press conferences and he is having moans and digs at things
that wouldn't have bothered him last season when things were going well, he
would have let it all wash over him, this season because things aren't so
great he's letting things get to him."
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