Daniel Sturridge has slammed critics of Chelsea's older players.
Players such as John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba have all come in for criticism this season after the Blues' indifferent start.
"The disrespect I've seen towards the likes of JT (John Terry) and others is ridiculous. When times get hard, these are the sort of players who step up to the plate," Sturridge told the Daily Star. "It's not just the younger players people should be looking at, thinking they're the exciting ones.
"Ashley Cole, JT, Lamps, Didier - these are the players which keep the team going. They are the heart of the team. They have been here a lot longer than I have, or any of the younger guys coming through have. They're the ones who are paving the way for us. I can only look up to them right now."
The Blues return to Premier League action on Sunday when they entertain Liverpool.
