Chelsea set to bounce back after crisis talks

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Divided opinions on Didier Drogba's attitude were aired during yesterday's inquest into their poor defensive performance against Fulham on Boxing Day, while there have also been concerns that Deco was getting preferential treatment from Scolari.

Reports today suggested some players were furious that Drogba had again caused controversy by criticising Scolari in a newspaper interview and the unrest could lead to the Ivory Coast striker being sold in the January transfer window.

Deco, whose form has dipped alarmingly after a promising start to his career at Stamford Bridge, has come under fire from within the Chelsea camp and from some fans who have started booing his performances.

The players had a chance to air their grievances yesterday and afterwards Scolari said he was delighted with the "positive" response from his squad following the team meeting and training session.

Scolari and his players took an in-depth look at all aspects of the game against Fulham as they prepared to face Southend in the FA Cup third round at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

He said: "Before we went to training, we had a good team meeting. Since Sunday I have had the chance to watch the Fulham game again and yesterday, with my players, we talked about all of that game before going out for a good training session. Now we begin to look ahead to my first FA Cup game, one we must be ready for as if we are playing a team first or second in the Premier League."

After the summit, Frank Lampard urged the Chelsea boo-boys to stop turning on Deco as he insisted the midfielder could provide the magic in their championship challenge.

Lampard believes the Portugal international was affected by the thigh injury which kept him out for a month and is why he has struggled to find form since returning in October.

He said: "Since he came back he has not played at his top level but that goes for all of us in the last few games.

"People have got to stick with Deco because he can do something special. It has not been easy for him to do that, especially since he came back from injury."