'CHELSEA AT WAR'

Last updated : 09 April 2006 By Ed

Sunday Mirror:

Chelsea's title defence is being undermined by a series of explosive rows between manager Jose Mourinho and his players.

Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal that in recent weeks Mourinho has stunned his playing squad with a string of bust-ups.

Even club captain John Terry has been singled out for verbal abuse as the Portuguese coach erupted with fury at the way Chelsea's season threatens to disintegrate.

There have been other rows with Joe Cole and Geremi and a verbal attack by Mourinho on Carlton Cole that left the young striker devastated and his Chelsea teammates astonished.

A club insider said: "In recent weeks Mourinho has had numerous bust-ups with players in team meetings following poor performances on the field."