There is little point in being coy. A lot of people in football are enjoying Chelsea’s discomfort.
The sight of the champions languishing in the bottom four of the Premier League has provoked an outpouring of malicious glee.
That may be a reflection of resentment at the glass ceiling which separates England’s elite clubs from the rest, but it does have wider implications.
Another setback at Stamford Bridge tonight, when Maccabi Tel Aviv’s visit promises to be a highlight of BT Sport’s Champions League coverage, borders on the unthinkable.
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Jose Mourinho is in predictably combative mood, but it is impossible to put a gloss on Chelsea’s worst start to a season for 29 years
Coming so soon after last night’s defeats for Manchester City and United, it would impact on the co-efficient which dictates how many English clubs qualify for European competition.
Jose Mourinho is in predictably combative mood, but it is impossible to put a gloss on Chelsea’s worst start to a season for 29 years.
They have already lost the same number of league games, three, as they did in the whole of the last campaign. Mourinho has promised change, to influence the dynamic of his squad.
Inevitably, the manager has been the lightning rod for criticism. He is used to such exposure, and habitually turns negativity to his advantage.
But this time he needs a response from his players, who have got off lightly for their indifferent form and dubious body language. They owe Mourinho, and themselves, a big performance.
Attention has, understandably, focused on the defence, where Branislav Ivanovic has been woefully out of form, John Terry has lost his natural authority and Gary Cahill appears to have regressed.
Yet the probable promotion of Reuben Loftus-Cheek highlights the breadth of current issues which need to be addressed. Mourinho admits he needs to provide a better pathway for such Academy products if he is to fulfil his dynastic ambitions.
Reuben-Cheek, who started two league games towards the end of last season but has played only 17 minutes so far this season, has his attention. Now he must earn his trust.
The youngster will feature tonight alongside Nemanja Matic or Cesc Fabregas, each of whom has fallen way below their usual standards at the base of midfield.
Diego Costa, another recent underachiever, is likely to be saved for Saturday’s key home game against Arsenal, which will also be live on BT Sport.
The naturalised Spanish striker is an emotionally-driven, potentially self-destructive player. His fitness is suspect, following a series of hamstring injuries, and his inclination to wage war on all and sundry is becoming an unnecessary distraction.
Perhaps the biggest challenge tonight faces Chelsea’s biggest player, Eden Hazard. He has failed conspicuously to sustain the form which made him Footballer of the Year.
At his best, he is Chelsea’s ultimate ambassador, a player of such subtlety and skill it is impossible to resent his success. He, above all, needs to give the critics a reason to believe.
