Thibaut Courtois thinks Chelsea chiefs had no choice but to sack Jose Mourinho after the club’s worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.
Mourinho was given the boot in December after an embarrassing defence of the club’s title and replaced by Guus Hiddink until the end of the season.
Hiddink, who is expected to hand over the reins to Italy boss Antonio Conte this summer, steadied the ship and steered the Blues clear of the relegation zone.
But too many draws have seen Chelsea miss out on Champions League football for next season and they have also crashed out of the FA Cup.
However, goalkeeper Courtois has been impressed with the impact made by the Dutchman and thinks poor pre-season preparations cost Mourinho his job.
He said: “Our pre-season was very short. We started on July 16 and straightaway we had a tour in the United States. Maybe physically we weren’t in good shape.
Chelsea search for Hiddink replacement
“We started the serious action with a defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield and then there was a negative spiral that set off.
“Without doubt we needed a change at that moment.
"We drew too many matches and we have also conceded goals too easily. I could have done better with some of them."
Despite concerns from within the squad, the Blues will prepare for next season with games in the US against Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Chelsea take a break from domestic action this weekend as attention turns to the world stage with the international break upon us.
Timeline: Jose Mourinho's season from hell at Chelsea
Timeline: Jose Mourinho's season from hell at Chelsea
Eva row
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August 8 – Mourinho criticises first-team doctor Eva Carneiro and physio Jon Fearn for 'naivety' in running onto the field, at the referee's instruction, to treat Eden Hazard in the opening day draw against Chelsea.
Terry subbed
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August 16 – The Special One hauls captain John Terry off at half-time in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City; the first time he has taken the defender off in a league game.
Costa row
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September 19 – Mourinho was furious with Arsenal and the FA after Diego Costa was retrospectively banned for a feud with Gunners defenders Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel.
Roman dare
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October 3 – After a 3-1 defeat to Southampton, Mourinho practically dared Roman Abramovich to sack him; prompting the club to issue a vote of confidence.
Referee abuse
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October 3 – In that same press conference, Mourinho criticised referee Robert Madeley and earned a £50,000 fine and a suspended stadium ban, which he is appealing.
Electronic tag
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October 15 – Mourinho hits back at the governing body and says he's delighted he wasn't issued with an electronic tag.
Hazard warning
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October 17 – The Portuguese boss criticises Eden Hazard's work rate after dropping him for their 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
Mourinho meltdown
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October 24 – Mourinho is sent off for accosting Jon Moss during half-time at West Ham as Chelsea are condemned to another defeat.
Capital One Cup exit
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October 27 - Chelsea are dumped out of the League Cup as 10-man Stoke City win on penalties
Halloween horror show
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October 31 - Chelsea are beaten 3-1 at Stamford Bridge by Liverpool. After the game Mourinho delivers a bizarre post-match interview, repeatedly answering questions with: "I have nothing to say".
Stadium ban
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November 2 - Mourinho handed a one-match stadium ban and fined £40,000 for his behaviour during the West Ham defeat.
More woe at Stoke
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November 7 - Chelsea lose their seventh Premier League game of the season, as they go down 1-0 at Stoke. Mourinho serves out his stadium ban.
Bib row
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November 29 - Diego Costa is dropped to the bench and appeared to petulantly throw a bib at Mourinho. The champions are held to a goalless draw at Tottenham.
Shocked by Cherries
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December 5 - The pressure is cranked up further on Mourinho after his side lose 1-0 at home to injury-hit Premier League new boys Bournemouth.
Last game in charge
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December 14 - A ninth league defeat of the season, this time to Leicester, comes days after the Blues qualify for the Champions League knockout stages. The Chelsea boss says afterwards he feels "betrayed" by his players, hinting at a dressing room revolt.
End of the road
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December 17 - Mourinho gets the boot after days of discussions at boardroom level. Chelsea cancel Friday's pre-match press conference.
