Interim manager Guus Hiddink has hinted some of Chelsea’s players could be saving themselves for the European Championship.
Sergio Aguero banged in a glorious hat-trick at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to inflict back-to-back Premier League losses on the Dutch boss.
It is the first time Hiddink has been beaten on home soil in the league in two separate spells as caretaker as he prepares to hand over the reins to the incoming Antonio Conte.
Conte, who remains in charge of the Italian national team until the conclusion of Euro 2016, will be heading to France in the hope of bowing out on a high with his country.
He will be keeping an eye on his new Blues squad before then though and will not have been impressed with what he saw in west London as Aguero ran riot in the capital.
The 3-0 demolition job was Chelsea’s 11th defeat of a disastrous domestic campaign as they continue to limp towards the finish line and a fresh start under Conte.
Belgium international Thibaut Courtois appeared to have turned a corner before being sent off while several of the club’s Spaniards failed to impress against City.
Chelsea 0-3 Manchester City in pictures:
Hiddink, when questioned over whether some of his players could be conserving their energy for Euro 2016, admitted that could well be the case.
He answered: “Partly true, but I cannot blame the players for having a lack of attitude.
"Some players might think that but I cannot look into their minds, in their brains. They might be thinking of the Euros.
"When there is nothing at stake then with some people there is a little bit of a lack of the ultimate work.”
Chelsea’s season was effectively over the moment they were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
Conte seems to have a major rebuilding job on his hands at the Bridge, although Hiddink has warned the Blues hierarchy not to splash the cash carelessly.
Playing for pride in the remaining games is one motivation for the players, however the interim chief also knows some of his squad are fighting for their futures.
He added: “They [new boss Conte and his staff] will make their analysis and deal with the current management. They analyse and see the games as well.”
Chelsea will be hoping to put in a much-improved performance when they travel to the south coast this coming weekend to take on Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth.
Asmir Begovic will deputise in goal as Courtois begins his suspension after conceding the penalty that completed Aguero’s hat-trick for City.
Watch: Guus Hiddink reflects on heavy defeat to Man City
