Chelsea players believe there is a lack of leadership running through Maurizio Sarri’s team that is contributing to their on-pitch collapses.

As revealed by Telegraph Sport, Sarri’s fate as head coach could rest on the results during the next fortnight after the humiliating 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City.

But there is recognition from inside the dressing-room that Sarri is not solely to blame and that the squad are not showing enough character in adversity.

A number of players believe that is down to the fact Chelsea no longer have strong leaders within the group of players Sarri favours and that individuals are more likely to blame each other rather than assume responsibility.

Chelsea have lost all three of their last away games, conceding 12 goals in the process, and have only won one of the eight Premier League games in which they’ve fallen behind this season, losing six times.

Sarri has questioned the mentality of his players more than once this season and kept Gary Cahill as the club captain despite freezing the defender out of his plans.