Emerson is not feeling the love from Frank Lampard, admitting he feels more 'important' on international duty with Roberto Mancini's Italy squad.
The Chelsea left-back is yet to feature in the Premier League this season, dropping to a distant third choice at left-back behind new £50m signing Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso.
The defender was touted for a move back to Italy under the boss who brought him to West London - Inter Milan's Antonio Conte - this summer but couldn't complete a deal.
Mancini has overlooked Emerson's lack of minutes at Stamford Bridge and continues to favour the 26-year-old, employing him for 90 minutes on Sunday as Poland were held 0-0 in the Nations League.
'When I arrive here I change my head, I feel important and part of the group,' the full-back said while on international duty.
'At Chelsea, things are not going as I wish in this part of the season. I just have to work.'
Chilwell's instant impact in Lampard's side - scoring, providing useful support on the wings and solidifying the defence - helped Chelsea to a 4-0 victory in their last match.
Emerson has a huge task to get back into the starting XI now, with the Blues likely to offload him when January rolls around.