Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is backing Jose Mourinho for his tough approach after the Blues boss suggested one mistake may lead to a player being dropped. "I think with the squad being so big, you feel if you slip up once, you might not get an opportunity for a while," he said.

"If you slip up, you will be out of the side. It is as simple as that."

"It keeps you on your game, no one is complacent by any means. I think that is a good thing. If you don't perform, then you will be out.

"It's never easy when you have got a squad of international players. Also obviously with the manager, if you slip up, you will be out of the side. It is as simple as that.

"He has his own reasons for things and there is great competition."

"He expects certain things from players," the 27-year-old added.

"That is the way he manages, I think it is great and I'm sure it will rub off on the other lads. I've really enjoyed it.

"Obviously there is a style that he wants to play, that he demands from certain players in certain positions.

"And I think early on in the season he was getting that, last couple of games maybe not. He's let us know and we work on it in training."