Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech insists Luiz Felipe Scolari still has the full support of the Stamford Bridge squad. Reports in the English media recently claimed that senior players including John Terry and Frank Lampard were unhappy with Scolari's training methods and substitutions.

Chelsea's results have hardly quelled the sense that Scolari is struggling to adapt to life at the West London club, as well as the unique demands of the English Premier League. Although the Blues remain firmly in the title race, they wasted a chance to go top of the table at Christmas on Monday after drawing 0-0 at Everton.

Scolari's team, who are one point behind leaders Liverpool, have won just one of their last five league matches and Terry's red card at Goodison Park is the latest set-back for the club.  England captain Terry is facing a three-match ban for a foul on Leon Osman and Scolari had refused to attend a post-match press conference following referee Phil Dowd's decision.

So it was left to Cech to speak up for Scolari. "We have seen things that have been said, there is always a lot of comment at this club," he said. "It is always speculation. But out on the pitch nobody is complaining, nothing is being said.  And when we were down to 10 men it is clear we are physically ready and are happy with the tactics and fighting for the manager."

Cech, who picked up a thumb injury at Everton that could put doubts on his availability for the Boxing Day game with West Brom, was pragmatic about Chelsea's current indifferent form which has seen them take just six points from the last 15.

"It is a pity we could not win. We could have been top of the league again but it's a good point," he said. "And this is a great competition. You can see the likes of Aston Villa pushing up the table and into the top four. They will try very hard to stay there. But there are plenty of games still to go, it will be very interesting to see what is going to happen."

There was some good news for Scolari on Tuesday as the Football Association (FA) confirmed that Brazil defender Alex won't face disciplinary action for a stamp on Everton midfielder Tim Cahill.  Dowd was asked to review footage of the incident after no action was taken against the player on the field.

Alex appeared to bring his foot down on the Australian's thigh after being tackled but he will not face punishment. A statement from the Football Association said: "Referee Phil Dowd confirmed to the FA today that he had not seen the incident at the time.

"He was subsequently requested to view footage of the incident. Having done so, Dowd informed the FA that, had he seen the incident, he would not have shown Alex a red card. On this basis, the FA will not be taking any disciplinary action."