Gary Cahill outlines how ‘wounded’ Chelsea can save their season after humiliating loss to Brighton | OneFootball

Chelsea are facing a crisis of confidence, with former captain Gary Cahill describing the club as a "wounded animal" following their latest humiliating defeat under manager Liam Rosenior.

The pressure is now intensely focused on the club’s upcoming FA Cup semi-final, which Cahill believes is essential to salvage their season.

Tuesday’s 3-0 loss to Brighton marked a new nadir for the London club, representing their fifth consecutive league defeat without scoring – a dismal streak not seen since 1912. The result also saw Brighton leapfrog Chelsea into sixth place, seizing control of the race for European football qualification.

With Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds looming, Cahill, a two-time winner of the trophy with Chelsea, expressed deep concern.

"Leeds are probably watching this thinking, ‘we’ve got a wounded animal here, we’ve got a chance in the semi-final’," he told Sky Sports.

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Cahill won the FA Cup twice while playing for Chelsea (PA Wire)

He continued: "Chelsea are going into a semi-final against Leeds, no disrespect, with an opportunity to hit a final. They should be licking their lips, ready to go, but this is a bit of a wounded Chelsea squad.

“Confidence and momentum is a big thing, so going into tomorrow’s training, it’s not the same vibe when you are on a good run or off the back of a good result. It’s going to be a tough few days for the manager and for the squad to galvanise themselves and get fired up for this semi-final."

Cahill underscored the gravity of the situation, stating: "The FA Cup now is, strong word, it’s a must to save the season. It needs to be a hell of a lot better."

Rosenior, who faced angry barracking from travelling supporters, was visibly furious with his team’s performance at the Amex Stadium, where goals from Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck sealed their fate.

Asked if it was the worst display of his tenure, the manager told Sky Sports: "By far. It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude. I keep coming out and defending the players. That’s indefensible, that performance tonight.

“The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team. Something needs to change drastically right now."

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Liam Rosenior was furious with his players after Tuesday’s loss (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

He added: "The professionalism wasn’t there. It’s a really difficult night. The most difficult night not even just here, so far, at this magnificent football club, but in my career. Some of the things I witnessed today, I never want to see again."

Chelsea’s hopes of securing European football are dwindling, as they remain seven points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool, having now played an additional game.

Rosenior, who was without key attacking players Cole Palmer, Estevao and Joao Pedro due to injury, concluded: "We need to look in the mirror; I need to look in the mirror. But I can’t keep coming out here and defending some of the things we’re seeing.

“The general attitude, spirit, determination was lacking apart from maybe three or four of the XI. That is nowhere near enough for this club. I can’t come out and lie. I’ll tell the truth. That was an unacceptable performance in every area."