Gary Cahill reflects on Chelsea's heavy Watford defeat with brutal honesty

Gary Cahill has fronted up with a brutally honest assessment of Chelsea's heavy 4-1 defeat by Watford on Monday night.

The Blues defender admitted his side were 'abysmal' and insisted the players should take responsibility rather than their under-pressure manager Antonio Conte.

There is plenty of speculation surrounding Conte's future but after conceding seven goals in two defeats, Cahill believes the squad need to look at themselves.

He said: 'Whatever is decided, the players have to take responsibility because the manager has done an absolutely unbelievable job.

'This is the lowest I've felt for quite a while.

'Performance-wise, I didn't recognise us or myself. It was abysmal.'

And Cahill is not alone in backing the Italian, who steered the club to Premier League glory during his first season last year.

Cesar Azpilicueta also called for togetherness. He said: 'Are the players letting the coach down? No, I think if you see the training sessions, you will see we all fight hard. We are the first to be disappointed with the way the last two games went.'

The likes of former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and Diego Simeone have been linked with Conte's job with the Blues trailing leaders Manchester City by 19 points.

But it seems the players are behind their manager and determined reverse their fortunes.

They will have the opportunity to get back on track with the home clash with West Brom on Monday night.