Fabio Capello has pinpointed Branislav Ivanovic as Chelsea’s weak link and believes the loss of Thibaut Courtois has derailed their Premier League title defence.

The outspoken former England manager has given a damning verdict of the Serbian defender and Jose Mourinho’s management of his Blues squad this season.

Capello is currently out of work having had his contract as Russia coach terminated with the country struggling to qualify for Euro 2016.

He quit the England job in July 2012 in protest at the treatment of Chelsea and former Three Lions captain John Terry, who has also come under fire at Stamford Bridge this term.

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But it is another Blues defender who the Italian has picked out for criticism after another dismal display in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Southampton.

Capello said: “The team does not have rhythm. It is lacking malice and aggression.

“[Branislav] Ivanovic is not himself and the loss of [goalkeeper Thibaut] Courtois is a serious one because with him Chelsea would not have let in a lot of the goals they have conceded.”

Chelsea held crisis talks in west London on Saturday night as Roman Abramovich personally carried out the inquest into a defeat which saw left the club in 16th place in the Premier League.

A public vote of confidence has been issued in support of Mourinho’s leadership but Capello doesn’t think the clouds have lifted from above the Bridge just yet.

He added: “Mourinho is a great coach. But after a year and a half his players are burned. His men are mentally no longer able to give him what he wants.

(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

“The cycles of the current Chelsea manager last more or less this time.”

There is no love lost between Mourinho and Capello.

The Special One was hugely critical of the Italian’s management of the England team and his relationship with the players during his time at Real Madrid in 2010.

Mourinho said: “He [Capello] has a one-track relationship with players. Ask anyone here at Real Madrid. He can't change.

"You cannot go around just shouting at players. They need to feel special. For me, it is a mess for England.

"Players need clear tactics. They cannot be confused about what they have to do. It is the manager’s fault. And it is a big shame."