Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has suggested that his squad are yet to handle the increased expectations at Stamford Bridge.
Having won last season's Champions League and brought in Romelu Lukaku, the Blues have been tipped for more success in multiple competitions.
However, Chelsea have succumbed 1-0 to Manchester City and Juventus over the past seven days, Tuchel acknowledging that his players performed below their best during both games.
Ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture with Southampton, the German has hinted that his players must find a way to compete with less pressure on their shoulders.
Tuchel told reporters, as quoted by football.london: "Yes (his players are tired). It is logical when you play this much. It feels a little bit like we are carrying mental weight on our shoulders from expectations.
"Someone told me several years ago that if players look like this then you can threaten them or calm them down. Ninety-nine percent of the time you calm them down. Trust in what we do, what we are, support the group and let the players support each other. We are looking for the last 10%."
Chelsea's meeting with Southampton will end a run of seven matches played in the space of three weeks.
Darren Plant
