John Terry has slammed suggestions the senior Chelsea players hold too much power at Stamford Bridge as 'complete nonsense'.
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny recently claimed that Andre Villas-Boas' sacking as manager proved the Blues' players effectively ran the club.
And former Chelsea boss Scolari also warned Villas-Boas' successor that "hell" awaited him because of the influence of the squad on owner Roman Abramovich.
Blues captain Terry hit back on Tuesday evening ahead of Chelsea's UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg against Napoli, in which they need to overturn a 3-1 deficit to progress.
Together
He said: "We win and lose together at this club - we're all responsible for the results we have.
"As for the senior players running this football club, that's nonsense. That's just the perception from outside. Roman and the board make the decisions.
"On the football pitch, that can affect what happens upstairs of course. If we don't win matches, the board step in.
"People speculating from various different clubs or previous managers, that's complete nonsense."
With Terry sat next to caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo during the pre-match press conference, it was no surprise to see almost every question posed to the deposed England captain.
Fortunate and privileged
This season has been turbulent in the extreme for Terry both on and off the field. Chelsea's meltdown under Villas-Boas corresponded with Terry facing trial for racism - a charge he denies - and an injury that looked set to rule the defender out until April.
Asked about the difficulties of remaining focused, he said: "I think I've shown that with my performances, despite what's happening off the field.
"I know what I have to do for Chelsea. As captain, I'm very fortunate and privileged.
"If you had said 10 years ago that Robbie and I would be sitting here with such a big night coming up, we'd have probably laughed at you.
"But that's the reality. You won't find two other people who care more about the football club going into this game. We represent Chelsea.
"We give that fiery atmosphere in the dressing room and take it on to the pitch and hope everyone feeds off that."
Tough
Chelsea will need all that and more if they are to become only the fourth club to overturn a first-leg deficit of two goals or more in the Champions League, with Terry admitting reaching the quarter-finals would represent one of his greatest achievements.
"If it all goes well, it could go down as one of the great nights of Chelsea's history," said Terry.
"It'll be very tough. Seeing their last game, too, when they won 6-3, defensively, we need to be really solid.
"It'll be a balance, and communication will be key. They'll have watched videos of us and know we can open teams up.
"We can break teams down and be solid ourselves. But an early goal and a good start would be great for us."
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Originally Posted by Charlie the Gooner
