Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte.
All is not well at Chelsea and the murmurs coming out of the club suggest there is a possibility of a Jose Mourinho-esque meltdown on the way.
The Blues threw away a two-goal lead at home to Roma on Tuesday night to extend their winless streak to three matches.
Antonio Conte's side previously lost to Manchester City and Crystal Palace in the Premier League to massively dent their hopes of retaining the title.
Chelsea's squad is currently very "thin" due to a host of injury problems - Alvaro Morata, N'Golo Kante and Victor Moses all recently sustained hamstring injuries.
"We have to play every three days, and it’s not simple," Conte told reporters earlier this week.
"Also because, in this moment, we are ‘thin’ and we have to play always the same players. Honestly, there is this type of risk to have other injuries."
According to Matt Hughes of The Times, Chelsea players are beginning to grow frustrated with their enigmatic Italian coach.
The players - who were crowned champions just five months ago - are reportedly unhappy with the intensity of Conte's gruelling training schedule.
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-MAN CITY
Chelsea did not play in Europe last season and, as well as causing injuries, the first team stars believe the high workload is a key factor in why they are struggling to keep up with the two Manchester clubs.
The Blues are already nine points behind Manchester City and face 4th placed Watford on Saturday lunchtime.
The Times report that Conte crammed in three training sessions between the Crystal Palace and Roma games, whilst a number of first team players have privately complained of fatigue.
Chelsea FC v AS Roma - UEFA Champions League
Current Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho lost the dressing room during his final season at Chelsea and had to be given the chop.
Conte will surely be aware that there is no coming back if he doesn't have the players on his side.
The Times insist that the Chelsea players do still support their manager but would like him to tweak his training regime.
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League
Morata returned from injury in the Champions League but David Luiz and Tiemoue Bakayoko picked up calf and groin injuries respectively against Roma, and are considered doubts for the tricky fixture against Watford.
Chelsea have two games a week until the November international break - will Conte make concessions to keep his players happy?
