Gary Cahill expects great reaction to heartfelt talks

Gary Cahill insists Chelsea are primed to produce an improved performance against Juventus tonight after the squad held clear-the-air talks following their defeat against West Brom.

Reports emerged of a heated exchange between players in the visitors’ dressing room in the immediate aftermath of their 2-1 defeat at The Hawthorns prompting fears of a split in the camp.

But the former Bolton defender believes the exercise proved cathartic for his team-mates and they are now ready to deliver the result required to keep their Champions League hopes alive in Turin tonight.

“In the short space of time that I’ve been here, losing games is not acceptable,” he said.

“When you do lose, people are disappointed, hurt and upset. It’s definitely a positive thing. Sometimes things need to be said and I think it’s great to have that reaction.

“I’d be worried if people were just going in, getting showered and then getting on the bus.

“What happens in the changing room stays there but it’s definitely a positive reaction when that happens in football.”

Cahill also claims manager Roberto di Matteo retains the full backing of the squad ahead of a difficult week in which poor displays against Juventus and Manchester City would further intensify pressure on the Italian.

He added: “From last season, when he took the job, he did tremendously well and achieved such a lot in a short space of time.