The Portuguese has already paid the price for the Blues' slow start to the season following his sacking last month.

However, Courtois is adamant members of Chelsea's underperforming squad are also be facing uncertain futures.

'We are playing for our futures, of course,' insisted the Belgian. 'We know we are responsible as well. We had team meetings where we said the same, that 'okay the manager has gone but we are responsible as well'.

'That we need to pick up our level because we are not playing good enough for a Chelsea player.' The arrival of Guus Hiddink has heralded an improvement; Chelsea currently four games unbeaten following their comprehensive win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

And Courtois has provided an insight into how the Dutchman has halted Chelsea's alarming slump.

'The manager has said some things that he wants us to do, some different aspects of the game,' said Courtois.

'The training is different as well. Sometimes it's his approach in how he wants us to train, sometimes it's a bit more tactical or a bit less. 

There are different type of little games we play or sometimes more shooting on goal to give confidence to the strikers. Sometimes he is more outside of training, more observing. 

'He leaves training to Steve Holland and Eddie (Newton) and he just puts in when he thinks 'I need to explain this to the team or that to the team'. 

'When he explains, he explains it well. Every manager has his way of working.' 

On Mourinho's dismissal, the goalkeeper added: 'In football it is always like that - when results are not good the first one to get criticised is the manager. 

'But it's not only the manager - the players have to take responsibility as well. We were the ones not playing as well. Of course with a new manager some things change. 

'Maybe some players the mentality changed, things change. We picked up some good results, some good football and then it goes again. 

'We are still the same team that last year were the champions with Mourinho so I don't think it's a new change.' 

Meanwhile, Courtois has backed the possible return of Didier Drogba to the club as a coach.

The Blues are in talks with the MLS about the prospect of the Blues legend, who is currently contracted to Montreal Impact, making an emotional comeback.

And Courtois added: 'I had a good relationship with him. Last year, he was a great addition to the dressing room and our team. I 'f he comes back as a coach it would be a great addition to the squad and all the team.'

(dailymail.co.uk)