Chelsea players were left exasperated by beleaguered manager Maurizio Sarri's second half tactics in Monday's loss to Manchester United.
Sarri is fighting to keep his job at Stamford Bridge, sources insisting it's 'when and not if' the Italian is given the boot.
And the already significant scepticism from players towards Sarri's footballing philosophy was enhanced during the FA Cup fifth-round defeat by United.
Already 2-0 down at half-time, Sarri's refusal to make potentially game-changing alterations to his tactics infuriated a number of players.
Sarri made two like-for-like substitutions in bringing on Ross Barkley for Mateo Kovacic and Willian for Pedro.
The decision to bring on right-back Davide Zappacosta in place of Cesar Azpilicueta in another like-for-like change caused further surprise among players - particularly given attacking players Callum Hudson-Odoi and Olivier Giroud on the bench.
And Sarri's unwavering dedication to his own brand of play - widely known as Sarriball - is emerging as a key issue for a number of players.
It appears supporters share the players' viewpoint; chants of 'F*** Sarriball' echoed around Stamford Bridge on Monday night - a clear message from fans that they want their manager to change his philosophy.
Sarri faces a crucial eight days that will likely determine his future.
Chelsea face Malmo in the Europa League on Thursday before facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday.
The Blues then face Tottenham in the Premier League next Wednesday.
panbcorz
351
See I don't see anything wrong in the style he is playing or tactics I think the players are not just fit to play his style of football. And what I think is that , he should give players like hudson odoi and Emerson chance to play in the game. Players like Marcos need to rest. He I always off the game and hazard sometimes delays the ball. Change of tactics. Kante shouldn't be where he is
SilvaMAN
213
Hazard had said that his and Sarri's philosophy about football is the same. Luiz has said the players are behind him. Anybody who watched yesterday's match could easily see that the players were motivated. Hazard was tracking back and stopping counters in the last minute. This issue about Chelsea's players is so overblown that any problem in the team is being chalked up to the players, when the fact is United and City beat us simply because they were better. And that's down to Sarri.
cokdkrs
71
our major issue with sarri is that he is adamant yo his one system of play ever since he arrived.That's why most managers have easily captured him and are dealing with him mercilessly. managers do change tactics depending on evolution of the games and competition ut his 4 3 3 system with jorghino as the lone CM has further infiltrated the team. It's either he changes tactics within these few days or face the exit door. players are forced into wrong positions game in game out. we are tired of the same tactics.let sarri leave.
philips20gmail_com
60
Sarri be like; am I the only coach to be beaten by six (6) goals? what about Arsene Wenger at Arsenal when he was beaten six (6) goals to three (3) by this same Man City team? what about Jose Mourinho when he was beaten by Barcelona six (6) goals to two (2)?... what about Enai Emery, when he was beaten by Barcelona six (6) goals to one (1)? If the whole Chelsea team like, let them leave the club, let me have small rest in my ear.... and find time to smoke my brand...