Maurizio Sarri's future at Chelsea is at risk as a dramatic drop in form and positive results across the winter period has left a number of his players concerned that his football philosophy is not getting the best out of the squad at his disposal, Goal understands.
Chelsea's main priority for the season is to qualify for next term's Champions League competition, but an embarrassing 6-0 defeat away to Manchester City at the weekend has left the club in sixth place in the Premier League.
The Europa League offers another route into Europe's elite club competition, and with Chelsea having drawn Malmo – the team with the smallest wage budget of the remaining 32 clubs – the Blues should fancy their chances of progression.