Chelsea's players have reportedly questioned manager Antonio Conte's training methods as they feel that the increased workload is having a negative effect on their Premier League title defence.
The Blues find themselves without a win in three matches, including back-to-back defeats in the top flight, and with a growing injury list to contend with.
Conte guided Chelsea to Prem glory in his first campaign in charge with a record number of wins, but the West London outfit have had to contend with Champions League football this time around.
According to The Times, the former Juventus and Italy chief has not fully adapted his training schedule, leaving many of his players unhappy and concerned about the direction this season is heading.
Chelsea, already nine points behind leaders Manchester City after just eight games, are expected to be without four key players for their home match against Watford on Saturday.
The same report suggests that Conte has continued to focus on physically demanding sessions away from the field, while also calling lots of tactical meetings, but the Italian insists that his methods are not a problem for his squad.
Daniel Lewis
