Ray Wilkins has accused Chelsea's players of downing tools on under-fire manager Antonio Conte during Monday's 4-1 defeat at Watford.
Eden Hazard cancelled out Troy Deeney's first-half penalty, but in the final seven minutes of the game, Daryl Janmaat, Gerard Deulofeu and Alberto Pereyra scored to leave the Blues reeling.
The reigning Premier League champions have now shipped seven goals in only two games, having been beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth last week.
Multiple reports have suggested that Conte's time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end but former Chelsea captain and coach Wilkins laid the blame solely at the players.
"If your dressing room is not manned up, you've got massive problems. I don't see the blokes in that dressing room I've got to say," the 61-year-old told talkSPORT on Tuesday.
"The players are performing in exactly the same manner as when Jose Mourinho expired, they're just not performing.
"We can say it's the manager's fault, but he doesn't go out there and play.
"Last night we were inept. They never started the game. Give full credit to Watford, they absolutely annihilated Chelsea last night.
"They've switched off. Some of the goals Chelsea conceded last night were absolutely abysmal."
Conte, who has also managed Juventus and the Italy national team, signed a new contract at Chelsea last summer.