Guus Hiddink has suggested that the lackluster form of some Chelsea FC's top stars could be down to the imminent arrival of the Euro 2016 tournament.
Root of the problem
Chelsea suffered a second consecutive league defeat last Saturday when a hat-trick from Sergio Aguero saw Manchester City brush aside the Dutchman's side 3-0.
This was the first time that Hiddink had tasted defeat at Stamford Bridge during his two spells at the club.
When asked if some of the players were saving themselves for the summer tournament in France, Hiddink told the Daily Mirror that it was "partly true" but he couldn't blame the players for having a "lack of attitude."
He continued saying some of the players "might think that" when there is "nothing at stake" and there is a "lack of the ultimate work" from some players.
Lack of pride
Hiddink wasn't the only one left disappointed by the teams performance as defender Gary Cahill was critical of his teammates as they suffered their worst home defeat in five-and-a-half years.
After the game, Cahill told Sky Sports that the side should have "more pride" in themselves and "give a performance" or at "least run around" and to get "close to people".
He continued saying the side have "nothing to play for" but said you have to "run around" and that's what he thought the side "lacked against Manuel Pellegrini's side.
No desire
Cahill's rant didn't stop there as went on to question the desire of his fellow players.
He told chelseafc.com that the defeat was "unbelievably disappointing" and thought they got they deserved".
He continued saying that they were "rubbish" and "lacked the desire" to get a result and admitted that Chelsea can play "a hell of a lot better than that".
Chelsea will visit AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court on Saturday, April 23 with kick-off at 3pm BST.