John Terry has hit out at suggestions that senior Chelsea players forced the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.

Reports of a rift between the Portuguese manager and Chelsea's old guard led some onlookers to comment that player power influenced owner Roman Abramovich in getting rid of Villas-Boas.

"People harp on about the senior players running this club but that is absolutely untrue," Terry said.

"Those people speculating from outside and some previous managers are talking complete nonsense.

"That might be the perception from outside but Roman Abramovich and the board make all the decisions. Completely."

Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League, three points off a Champions League place.