Guus Hiddink admits that some Chelsea players could be saving their energy for Euro 2016 after Manchester City ran out 3-0 winners at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Sergio Aguero's hat trick inflicted Hiddink's worst defeat across two spells as Chelsea interim manager, with playmaker Kevin De Bruyne also shining on his return to the club that sold him to Wolfsburg for £18 million in January 2014.
Chelsea, who lie 10th in the Premier League table, have now won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions as they play out the final weeks of the worst season of the Roman Abramovich era.
Gary Cahill called on the team to show more pride after Saturday's loss, saying they should "at least run around and try to get close to people," but Hiddink says it is natural that some of his players might already be looking ahead to the tournament in France this summer.
Asked if his players could be saving themselves for Euro 2016, Hiddink told reporters: "Partly true, but I cannot blame the players for having a lack of attitude.
"Some players might think that but I cannot look into their minds, in their brains. They might be thinking of the Euros.
"When there is nothing at stake then with some people there is a little bit of a lack of the ultimate work."
Antonio Conte was confirmed as Hiddink's permanent successor on a three-year contract earlier this month and is set to take over at the conclusion of Italy's Euro 2016 campaign.
Hiddink believes that many in his underachieving Chelsea squad are playing for their futures at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer.
"Of course," he added. "[Conte and his assistants] will make their analysis and deal with the current management. They analyse and see the games as well."