Monday 21 December 2015 07:49, UK
Chelsea captain John Terry has denied that player power forced Roman Abramovich's hand to sack manager Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese was dismissed for a second time on Thursday and Blues technical director Michael Emenalo revealed the decision had to be taken because of "palpable discord" between Mourinho and his players.
Terry was one of those players implicated in Mourinho's claim that he was "betrayed" on the field in his final defeat to Leicester last Monday night, but the former England defender has since come out in support of his now former boss.
After an emotional farewell social media post to the former Blues boss, the captain has used his programme notes ahead of Saturday's clash with Sunderland to address the speculation.
"We are aware there have been rumours of player power at the club but I want to make it clear that is not the case," wrote Terry.
"We leave all decisions to Mr Abramovich and the board, and know that our job, as players, is to focus on getting results on the pitch.
"Believe me when I say that all of us go out to win every game and we players have to look at our performances and take responsibility for where Chelsea sit in the table right now.
"The manager going doesn't change that we are responsible, and to be 16th in the table is not acceptable from us.
"We are determined, collectively, to get ourselves back to where we should be. it won't be easy after the start that we have made but we need to turn this season around. Having been here since I was a kid, it hurts me that we are in this position."
