Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Chelsea Stars Warned of Jose Mourinho Backlash by Fans

Chelsea's underperforming players have been warned they may be on the receiving end of backlash from angry supporters who are unhappy with the sacking of former manager Jose Mourinho and feel he was let down by their poor performances.  

According to Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard, Tim Rolls, chairman of the Chelsea Supporters' Trust, said the following ahead of the Blues' clash with Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday: "I will expect Mourinho's name to be chanted, the match-going supporters are not happy with what's happened. I think the fans will be angry at the players, who have clearly underachieved this season. Clearly there are people and players behind the scenes making noises and that didn't help."

Per Johnson, Darren Mantle of fan site CFCnet added: "The atmosphere will be tense tomorrow and people may turn on Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas, who have all been below their best this season."

The Portuguese leaves the club 16th in the Premier League table, 20 points behind league-leaders Leicester City and one point above Norwich City in the relegation zone.

The club's decision to remove Mourinho from office has nevertheless proved a divisive one.

Bleacher Report Chelsea correspondent Garry Hayes described it as a "terrible, terrible decision" and believes the failure lies in the board's lack of significant transfer business in the summer:

Meanwhile, football writer Miguel Delaney believes Mourinho was at fault for recruiting many of those who have disappointed and for failing to keep them onside and performing to their usual standard:

The players must equally take some of that responsibility themselves.

Football writer Liam Canning was critical of Hazard following Chelsea's 2-1 defeat at Leicester City on Monday, while in the wake of Mourinho's departure, Premier League legend Alan Shearer pulled no punches in his assessment of the players, per presenter and journalist Jacqui Oatley:

For all of his perceived failings or controversies, Mourinho will forever remain popular with the majority of Chelsea fans after winning three league titles, three League Cups and the FA Cup with the club, so it will hardly be surprising if they're vocal in their support of him on Saturday.

As for the players—particularly the likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, who have arguably been the three who have fallen the furthest from last season—they'll need to improve dramatically starting by producing an outstanding performance against Sunderland.

Of course, that could equally provoke the question as to why they weren't able to do so under Mourinho, but if they're to placate the angry support, the only way they'll do it is on the pitch.