What happened: Chelsea forward Joao Pedro told Sky Sports the club's collapse is not on the manager after Saturday's 3-1 home loss to Nottingham Forest. "I don't think it's about the coach. It's on the players to step up," Pedro said, calling the situation difficult to address. He scored a 92nd-minute bicycle kick consolation, his 15th non-penalty goal of the season.

Why it matters: The comments land amid a sixth consecutive Premier League defeat and growing scrutiny on the dugout, with Enzo Maresca reportedly a candidate for the Manchester City job if Pep Guardiola departs. A senior player publicly absolving the coach typically signals dressing-room support but also raises the stakes on player performance. Chelsea's attacking crisis has dominated the storyline through Matchweek 35.

What to watch: Watch Chelsea's next Matchweek 35 fixture for a response from the squad and any sideline reaction from Maresca. Further player comments and ownership posture will indicate whether the manager retains backing.