Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has reportedly held clear-the-air talks with his players following Saturday's defeat to Arsenal.
Goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny saw the Gunners past the Blues in a crucial London derby at the Emirates Stadium, allowing both Arsenal and Manchester United to move within three points of Chelsea in fourth.
Sarri took aim at his players during his post-match comments and made no secret of his anger at the performance, questioning their desire and mentality during the game.
The Times reports that the Italian has since held peace talks with his players in order to enable them to focus fully on Thursday's EFL Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Reports have suggested that some players disagree with Sarri's decision to play Eden Hazard as a false nine while Olivier Giroud is available, although he is still understood to have the support of the dressing room.
Chelsea are now 13 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and four behind Spurs, against whom they will attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the EFL Cup semi-final this week.
Barney Corkhill
