Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted the departure of Ray Wilkins was not a factor in Sunday’s surprise 3-0 defeat at home to Sunderland.
Former assistant manager Wilkins left the club last week after the reigning champions decided against renewing his contract, with speculation suggesting it was down to financial cost-cutting.
But when questioned about the possibility that Wilkins’ absence on the touchline had been a reason behind the league leaders’ poor performance, Ancelotti told Sky Sports 1: “It was not a reason.
“Sunderland played a fantastic game, we played a poor game, we have to do better.”
He continued: “Everything went wrong, we didn’t play well or how we wanted.
“Sunderland played with fantastic spirit, fantastic pressure, they played well. It was a bad day.
“We were not able to play our football, just 15 minutes in the first half. Everything was difficult today, it was a strange performance.
“We were in a good moment but now we have to come back and stay focused on the next game.”