Former Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli has admitted that he is "shocked" by reports surrounding manager Antonio Conte.

The Italian coach guided the Blues to the Premier League title in his first season in charge, but the club are now nine points off the pace after nine games.

Recent reports emerged claiming that the Chelsea players are unhappy with the manager's training methods, suggesting that there could be unrest in the dressing room.

When asked for his reaction to the rumours, Vialli told Sky Sports News: "Yes, I'm shocked because you have a side that came seventh two years ago and then you've got an Italian manager arriving and turning the squad around and winning the title.

"If I was a player I'd look at this manager thinking he's my guru, my Messiah, I want to be with him all the time and no matter what he says or what he makes me do in training, I need to stick to his methods because he's a winner and he's a successful manager.

"So I don't believe it is true. If it was true I would be shocked because it would be out of order in my opinion."

On Saturday, Chelsea came from behind to claim a 4-2 victory over Watford at Stamford Bridge.