Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has hit out at "bullshit" rumours that his players have grown unhappy with his training methods this season.

The Blues have made a disappointing start to their Premier League title defence in the early stages of the campaign, dropping points in four of their first nine matches.

Reports emerged last week suggesting that certain members of the playing squad have questioned Conte's workload on the training ground, having already seen a number of players ruled out through injury.

The Sun went even further on Thursday by claiming that Chelsea's players have even resorted to texting former assistant boss Steve Holland, who left his role in the summer to work permanently with the England national side.

Conte has been left unhappy with the latest rumours, telling reporters at his weekly press conference: "I think there is a lot of bullshit [rumours]. [The Sun] try to create problems for me and the players."

Chelsea are fourth in the top-flight standings and nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City ahead of their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.