Potter calls on Chelsea's dressing room leaders to lift gloom

Graham Potter held crisis talks with four of his most experienced stars on Tuesday in a bid to end Chelsea's dismal run.

The Blues head to London rivals Fulham tonight having picked up just five points from their last seven Premier League games. 

To make matters worse, the seventh-placed Cottagers are three points clear of Potter's goal-shy side, who have only netted 20 times in the top flight so far this season. 

But with the pressure mounting, the former Brighton boss picked the brains of dressing room leaders Thiago Silva, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and skipper Cesar Azpilicueta as he plotted the next move to get the team back on track. 

Potter, 47, said: "I spoke at length on Tuesday with Thiago, with Azpi, with Jorgi, with Kova, a really good conversation.

"They showed their qualities as people again. They’re honest. They articulate their concerns well, they articulate their positivity, they articulate their responsibility. 

"That's why I think we are in a place where we can move forward."

Potter, who was boosted yesterday by the arrival of Atletico Madrid and Portugal star Joao Felix on loan, added: "It is an experienced team.

"The players are honest, they want to take their responsibilities. They want to improve, they want to win. There's a lot there we are fortunate with. 

"At the same time, we are in a tough moment and these are challenges that affect the players as well. They are human beings. 

"I know they're paid to do their job but they're not robots. They're still affected by results and the transition phase at the club, but I've been really impressed."

Tonight's clash with Fulham is followed by another crunch London derby on Sunday, with Crystal Palace the visitors to Stamford Bridge.