Chelsea boss Graham Potter appears to be feeling the pressure in the Stamford Bridge hot-seat after calling a crisis meeting with four of the most senior players in his squad.
The talks were held after the former Brighton manager conceded life in West London has been a strugle in recent weeks having overseen just one win from Chelsea's last eight outings. In turn, speculation surrounding how long Potter has left in his post has already begun less than five months into his reign.
Ahead of Chelsea's trip to local rivals Fulham on Thursday night, Potter opened up on his meeting with the elder statesmen of the group. "I spoke really at length yesterday with Thiago, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorgi, Kova - we had a really good conversation," he said.
"They again showed their qualities as people. They were honest, articulated their concerns well. They articulated their positivity, the articulated their responsibility. And I think we are in a place where we can move forward.
"When you lose, or don’t get the results, it is painful, it really is. It affects your family. As much as you try to have balance and perspective, I am a human as well and it is a struggle.
"At the same time, you have to take responsibility ultimately. What am I going to do? Be the Chelsea manager and not expect pressure, trouble, challenge, stress? It would be strange of me to do that."
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Morale around Stamford Bridge has been at least slightly lifted by the arrival of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Things haven't played out exactly as many expected they would out in the Spanish capital for Felix, the 2019 Golden Boy winner, but Potter has high hopes for the former Benfica sensation.
"Joao’s a quality player, can make a difference in the final third of the pitch, is young but has obviously had a lot of really good experience," the Chelsea boss added. "He's a quality player that gives everyone a lift."
Potter recently addressed fan unrest after Chelsea's travelling support appeared to turn on the 47-year-old as they chanted the name of his predecessor Thomas Tuchel during their 4-0 defeat by Manchester City last Sunday.
"We need to stay together as group, support each other, and I’m sure we will get the support of the supporters when we see good performances and results," he added.
Potter also touched on the backlash the players have been receiving, as he claimed: "I'm working with the players and I don't feel the sense of any players with a poor attitude.
"Everyone wants to try to do better but we're going through a bad moment and in these moments, you need somebody to blame."
