Gary Cahill insists Chelsea’s players are “all behind” Roberto Di Matteo and claims their dressing-room bust-up at West Brom was a good thing.
Cahill said the Blues’ squad had as much confidence in their manager now as when he masterminded their march to Champions League glory exactly six months ago.
That earnt caretaker Di Matteo a permanent contract but he goes into Tuesday’s Group E game at Juventus under real pressure after an alarming slump in form, which has seen the team lose three of their last seven matches.
Cahill said: “From last year, when he took the job, he did tremendously well and achieved such a lot in a short space of time.
“We started the campaign really well.
“We’re all behind him and he’s definitely the right man.
“He proved it last year and I’m sure he will prove it this year as well.”
Saturday’s English Premier League defeat at the Hawthorns – which left them with just two points from the last 12 – was said to have prompted a furious row in the dressing room between players.
It’s believed Di Matteo read them the riot act.
Cahill, who joined Chelsea in January, said: “When you lose, people are disappointed, hurt and upset.
“Sometimes, things need to be said and I think it’s great to have that reaction.
“I’d be worried if people were just going in, getting showered and then getting on the bus.
“What happens in the changing room stays there, but it’s definitely a positive reaction when that happens in football.”
The England defender was acutely aware of the additional pressure from above at Stamford Bridge.
“Being part of a club like Chelsea, you’re expected to perform and get results, rightly so,” he said.
“Of course, the boys come to a club like Chelsea because they want to be a part of big things, and that means winning football matches.
“The players want to win. Even at times, drawing feels bad.
“It’s a philosophy that this club definitely has, and the players have as well.”
Cahill was more forthcoming than Di Matteo when he admitted there “might be changes” to the team on Tuesday but, with John Terry injured, it looks likely he and David Luiz will start in central defence.
The erratic Luiz has borne the brunt of the criticism amid Chelsea’s inability to keep clean sheets.
Cahill said: “David Luiz is one of the most comfortable players on the football as a centre-half I’ve seen. He’s got great ability.
“You don’t play for a top club and captain Brazil if you’re not a top footballer. That’s what he is.
“John is a different type of player. They’re both fantastic. Defensively, it’s been two halves this season.
“Early on, we kept six clean sheets and had one of the best defences in the league.
“Of late it’s not been the case. It’s the same personnel, the same team, so we just have to get back to the way we started the campaign.”