Tuesday 6 October 2015 10:12, UK
Chelsea need to return to basics in order to get their season back on track, according to goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
Jose Mourinho's side lost just three games in the Premier League in the 2014/15 campaign as they went on to win the title by eight points.
But Chelsea have already lost four out of their eight games this season, conceding 17 league goals in the process, already more than half the amount they let in as they claimed the title.
"That's life, that's football - you have ups and downs. We need to get back to basics, work even harder," Begovic told the club's official website.
"We have to show character and we can't feel sorry for ourselves. It's not the standard this club and team has set so for us at the moment it is a very difficult time.
"When things are not going your way it's tough; we're playing against a lot of things at the moment, it's a mental thing as well, but it's just something we've got to keep fighting through."
Chelsea head into the international break with just eight points and lie fifth from bottom in the Premier League.
Begovic remains positive they can turn their season around, though, and has urged the players to use the break to regroup.
"Hopefully this break comes at a good time and we can regroup, get a good result in the next game and drive on from there," added Bosnia and Herzegovina international Begovic.
"Hopefully everyone is fit when we get back from the break and then we get a result and we can look forward from there.
"Obviously the goal is still to be challenging at the top of the table."
Bosnia and Herzegovina take on Wales in the European Qualifiers on Saturday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 2 HD at 7pm.
