Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich spoke with senior players before sensationally axing Luiz Felipe Scolari yesterday, it has been revealed.

The Sun says Russian Abramovich made a rare visit to the Chelsea training ground where he spoke to senior players including star striker Didier Drogba and goalkeeper Petr Cech.

An insider said: "It has been much publicised that Abramovich hasn't been along to many matches recently so you can imagine the reaction when he turned up at training.

"Losing at Liverpool the week before had been a disaster and effectively ended our title chances.

"Then the Hull result put even finishing in the top four in doubt.

"If Chelsea didn't qualify for the Champions League, the club would lose up to £50million a year.

"Along with it would go Chelsea's place among Europe's elite - and that's what the owner covets most."

Yet Brazilian Scolari, 60, knew nothing of his impending fate and yesterday turned up to watch a reserve match at the training ground in Cobham, Surrey.

The source said: "Felipe was liked by some players, and everyone was convinced that he would be given time and judged at the end of the season."