Chelsea chiefs were seen visiting the Blues' dressing room after their disappointing defeat to Manchester United.
Liam Rosenior's side were beaten 1-0 by Michael Carrick's Red Devils thanks to Matheus Cunha's first-half strike.
The loss leaves Chelsea 10 points away from United and four points off the top five, potentially increasing to seven if Liverpool beats Everton in the Merseyside Derby.
Following the match, Chelsea's co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley were seen heading into the Blues dressing room.
Chelsea chiefs Stewart and Winstanley were seen visiting the dressing room | GETTYThe defeat means it is six losses in the Blues' last seven, with their only victory in that time coming against relegation-bound in League One, Port Vale.
Rosenior's side has failed to score in their last four Premier League games, having the worst run of form in the league over that period.
Reacting after the game, the Chelsea boss said: "Tonight was a really difficult result to take.
"They've had one shot on our goal when we're down to 10 men off an injury, and they score. Then we have wave after wave of attack, crosses in the box, moments that we don't take advantage of.
Rosenior's side has failed to score in their last four Premier League games
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"We have to keep working. We have to turn this around."
Responding to whether Champions League qualification is still on the cards, Rosenior said: "This result gives us a mountain to climb.
"We have to go into Brighton knowing we need to win the game."
Enzo Fernandez returned to the side after his two-match in-house suspension, but was not given the captain's armband.
Matheus Cunha was assisted by Bruno Fernandes for his goal in Man Utd's win over Chelsea | REUTERSIn response, Rosenior said: "We have a leadership group. Wearing the armand is an honour for this club.
"He played like a captain. I'm very happy with his performance and him."
Amid a poor run of form and a tough away test against Brighton mid-week, the FA Cup has become paramount for Chelsea, with a potential back-door route into Europe.
United's win leaves them 10 points clear from dropping out of the Champions League spots, all but ensuring qualification for Europe's top competition.
United's win leaves them 10 points clear from dropping out of the Champions League spots
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Reacting after the game, the Red Devils boss Michael Carrick said: "They're the moments we live for really, that's why we're in it.
"For big games, important games, big performances. And then for the supporters to feel it, it gives me a lot of satisfaction when I can be part of that and see all the people enjoying it so much. That's the beauty of football and the pure form of it.
"The boys take so much credit for that. And the coaches in terms of putting the plan together and adapting over the last couple of days.
"There's a lot of things to be proud of tonight. We can play a little bit better at times, but I thought it was a game for a result, and we managed to find it."
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