Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann has suggested that under-fire Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is on borrowed time at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues' early-season struggles took another turn for the worse on Tuesday after Mourinho's men exited the League Cup in a penalty shootout at Stoke City, with the Portuguese then storming out of a post-match interview.
He was sent to the stands in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at West Ham United - a fifth loss in 10 outings for the reigning Premier League champions - and Hamann says that the players have lost trust in the 52-year-old.
"I think he's got a mountain to climb to get back on track. But whether he's gone too far already remains to be seen. I think so, and I'm not sure there's a way back," he told talkSPORT. "The team is struggling and they are conceding too many goals. Can I see Mourinho there for the long haul? I'm not sure because I think he's fallen out with too many players and you've got to have these people on board.
"I'm not saying you've got to pamper them and let them do what they want, but some of the things he's said in recent weeks regarding Hazard, Terry, Ivanovic, it was just a step too far and I've never seen it at any top club in the past.
"Once the game starts on Saturday you need players who will go through a brick wall for you. Are they going to go through a brick wall for him at the moment? I don't think so. Hence they will find it hard to win football matches."
Chelsea sit 15th in the table.
Shane Callaghan
