Former Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola has defended the club's senior players following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.

Villas-Boas was dismissed by Roman Abramovich last weekend following repeated reports of struggles between the Portuguese boss and senior members of the Chelsea squad.

However, Zola claims that a number of the Blues squad have been unfairly treated this season.

"When things are not going well you can forget what players have done for the club. So people need to be reminded of that," he said.

"For they are players who have given so much for the club and they deserve respect.

"You have to look and if the whole team is not playing well that's not because of Frank Lampard, John Terry or Ashley Cole."

Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League.