Are The First Cracks Beginning To Appear at Stamford Bridge?

After a less than impressive run of results, it appears as if the first cracks are appearing at Stamford Bridge. That is, if you believe what you read in The Sun.

The paper reports that John Terry and Frank Lampard - Chelsea captain and vice-captain respectively - have held talks with Scolari about his coaching methods.

They feel that the intensity of training needs to be upped. They feel that a relaxed tempo in training is transferring itself onto the pitch.

Both players have spoke publicly in recent days about the club’s current slump in form.

Terry feels that the Blues’ recent form hasn’t been good enough.

“Two wins in seven isn’t good enough for a team like us. We need to put a string of results together now and over the Christmas period,” said Terry.

“We’ve been doing a lot better away this year which is strange because we had a great home record for so long.”

Lampard has spoken of the need to adapt in order to break down defensive sides. One of the features of Chelsea’s recent slump has been an inability to break down teams that have kept their shape at the back.

“We might have to try to adapt to playing against defensive sides because people will see that other teams have got results doing that.

"It is important to mix things up if you are trying to play through a team and it is not quite working.

“Sometimes you can play a bit more of a direct style, sometimes you can try and get the ball wide so the team can put more balls in the box.”

The chance to get back on track will come at the Reebok Stadium this afternoon - a ground that has fond memories for Chelsea.

It was there that Chelsea secured their first league title in 50 years back in 2005.

And after that, comes a crucial clash against CFR Cluj. Chelsea need a win to be sure of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Luiz Felipe Scolari faces a crucial week in his Chelsea career. A win against Bolton this afternoon would get it off to a good start.