LONDON: John Terry launched a scathing attack on his teammates yesterday for being complacent, arrogant and lacking the stomach for a fight during Chelsea's 1-3 Champions League defeat by Roma on Tuesday.
The Chelsea captain said that his team had no chance of returning to Rome for this season's final if they continued to produce such lacklustre performances.
It was the London club's second defeat in four games and heaviest in almost three years.
Chelsea were stunned by three Roma goals in 24 minutes either side of half-time, after previously conceding only four in 15 matches this season.
Terry claimed the visitors' poor attitude was to blame for the shock defeat by a side who had lost their previous five matches.
'It was a terrible night for us. We didn't get going,' Terry said. 'We've been getting results because we've been working hard for each other and we've been there for each other.
'We've been getting goals and destroying teams, but we went to Roma thinking we could do it individually - and you simply can't.
'We need to know that. Hopefully, what happened will prove to be the kick up the backside we need.
'We sort of strolled in, thinking we were better than them, when clearly we're not.
'What was disappointing was that we didn't fight. Even after we went one and then two down, we didn't show the fight and desire that's got us where we've been over the last few years.
'When you go to a place like Rome, you need to fight and show more determination than them and win the game. If it comes down to quality, then nine times out of 10 we're better than most sides. We have to start with the desire to win.'
He voiced similarly uncompromising sentiments in the dressing room of the Olympic Stadium after the game, pointing out that Chelsea must improve dramatically if they are to return to Rome for the final on May 27.
Chelsea's away record in Europe is becoming a cause for concern because they have not recorded a win on their travels since beating Rosenborg 4-0 almost a year ago.
'Harsh words were exchanged and we had it out in the dressing room,' Terry said. 'It's sometimes better if you don't speak your mind, but it's down to myself to pick the boys up again.
'It will take a couple of days because there's no doubt the dressing room is low after that.
'We have the determination to come back to Rome but, if we're going to perform like that, we will get nowhere near the Champions League final. That's a simple fact.
'Reaching the final is the big target, and that's why we're in this competition, to come back in May. That's what we're all striving for. But, based on Tuesday's performance, we've got no chance.'
