Chelsea have no leadership without John Terry, says Rio Ferdinand

Former Manchester United and England star slammed the Blues after poor performance in Porto

John Terry sits on the bench against Porto (Reuters)

John Terry has found a surprising supporter after he was again left out of the Chelsea starting line-up for the Champions League defeat to Porto.

Chelsea lost 2-1 at Jose Mourinho's former club, conceding two poor goals in a match in which they were outplayed for large periods.

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand, now a pundit on BT Sport, says that the Blues are missing the leadership of their captain, who was again resigned to the bench.

"There was no composure, no real leadership out there," said Ferdinand who, of course, has not been on speaking terms with Terry since the racism case with Rio's brother, Anton.

"You look back on past Mourinho and Chelsea sides. You had Drogba, Terry and Lampard who other players could look to, and they would turn around and say 'listen I've been here before, don't worry, follow me, we'll be alright and get through this and weather the storm'.

"I didn't see that tonight. I didn't see players who would stand up and be counted in that way. I think they have a lot of work now to get out this group."

Terry has started just one of Chelsea's last five matches, against Walsall in the League Cup.

"John Terry has been an integral part of this Chelsea side for over 12 years," added Ferdinand. "It's not just one person who can change this team. There is an intensity that I just don't see in this Chelsea team.

"It's been part of their make-up for many years and to win big games abroad you have to come into them with the right frame of mind.

"Seeing Hazard and Terry on the bench is destabilising for this squad. They are looking around for inspiration and are not seeing it from anyone at the moment.

"There's a lack of confidence and communication and they are going to have to really tighten up to pick up this season."