There is no question that John Terry had to leave the football club in the quest for playing time; however, I do wonder in hindsight if Antonio Conte wished he had persuaded him to take on a player/coach role and keep his presence in and around the Chelsea dressing room.

Clearly there is a lack of leadership in and around the club – with the David Luiz episode proof that all is not well with certain players and management alike.

I am not at all suggesting here that Antonio Conte and Chelsea are struggling, as the league table suggests, but the Italian has gone from being cool, calm and collective (except when we score) to being a little spiky in press conferences and questioning the commitment of certain members within his squad at points this season.

As well as Luiz and of course Costa this summer, Willian appears to be the latest player who doesn’t appear to be happy and the Italian refused to compliment the Brazilian for his goals and performance as we secured Champions League qualification.

There doesn’t appear to be the same level of unity between players and management and I wonder if Gary Cahill offers the same level of leadership than JT use to for over a decade.

It has not been easy for Conte, as he also lost the influential Steve Holland to England from his backroom staff – someone who would have been able to keep the squad in check or spot any unrest within the team.

The recent dropping of the popular David Luiz, with the manager citing that the centre half needs to be a team player and respect decisions suggests that a lot has been bubbling under the surface before the drubbing at Roma where his tactics were questioned and ultimately the Brazilian hasn’t played since.

Three impressive victories on the bounce has ensured that the gaffer was correct and that Luiz hasn’t been missed.

Gary Neville claimed that the club is toxic and such public falling outs, like the Luiz one, usually ends in one person getting the bullet – whether it the manager or the player. Reports have suggested that Mourinho may look to target the Brazilian in January, something that surely we cannot afford to do – as we look to retain the title and challenge for the Champions League.

Whether Conte will offer out an olive branch remains to be seen, but I do worry that the dressing room isn’t united, something that wouldn’t have happened under JT’s watch. If I were Conte I would reach out to bring him back – given he is out for months at Villa – and offer him his first steps into coaching. It may just help put out this fire that is threatening to spread and ensure we remain united in our quest for honours this season.