The Mirror has claimed that Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked because the Chelsea players wanted him thrown out.

Long-serving pair John Terry, the skipper, and Frank Lampard sparked the revolt when they started slamming Scolari's training methods.

Stopper Terry never really eased up on his frank assessments and numerous other problems, including favouritism - mainly involving Deco - behind-the-scenes arguments about transfers and the Nicolas Anelka versus. Didier Drogba debate were all nails in the gaffer's coffin, as positive results failed to come naturally or regularly enough.

However, Ivorian hitman Drogba has moved quickly to play down such rumblings, instead focussing on poor form. He told the tabloid, "Results havent been the best, but we had time to put things right and enough fighting qualities [to do so].

"Our bad results, though, have been decisive.

"I didnt know much about the sacking. No-one was talking about this happening and the club never spoke to the players."

Scolari's alleged 'Golden Boy', Deco, added grimly in The Star, "I was shocked when I heard the news. The reason I came to Chelsea was to play for Scolari.

"Scolari is a good coach and he should have been given more time to get the project right."

Full-back Jose Bosingwa admitted that the boss wasn't happy in the final days.

"Ive noticed a difference in Scolari," he noted. "He's been without the usual smile on his face.

"It's just the same here as in any country with managers being sacked. I didn't think it was like this in England before I came."