Liam Rosenior is determined to change perceptions of Chelsea's squad amid ongoing scrutiny of his players' conduct during a worrying slump in form.
Rosenior downplayed a potential issue with Wesley Fofana ahead of Tuesday's trip to Brighton, having previously been questioned about interviews given by Enzo Fernández and Marc Cucurella.
Defender Fofana has apologised for ignoring coaching staff when he was substituted late on in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League loss to Manchester United.
Midfielder Fernandez returned from an internal two-match ban in that game, following comments in which he seemed to court a move to Real Madrid, while left-back Cucurella recently questioned Chelsea's inexperience and the club's decision to dispense with Rosenior's predecessor Enzo Maresca.
"There's perspective and reality -- I've spoken to the players about this," Rosenior said. "You tell a story about yourself in moments sometimes, especially on a football pitch.
"You tell a story about your character and sometimes when you don't show yourself in the best light, the perception of you is probably different to what the reality is.
Liam Rosenior (R) wants to change the perception of his squad. Marc Atkins/Getty Images "We have a young group of players and that's a really positive thing at times and with that comes a responsibility to me and my staff to help them through difficult moments. That's what you get experience from.
"Enzo Fernandez, regardless of the two-game suspension or what he said or the mistake he made, I know the character he is. He's an outstanding character.
"There are perceptions of this group that I want to change. I want to change the perception of them because I've got to know them very well.
"That takes time and they need to learn quicker than maybe they have done in the past."
Chelsea are struggling to qualify for next season's Champions League and travel to the Amex Stadium seven points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool following four-successive defeats without scoring.
Asked if it was the responsibility of players to change perceptions of them, Rosenior said: "My job is to be accountable. The buck stops with me.
"I pick the team, I speak to them on the pitch, tactical things, cultural things. I'm willing to take accountability for that.
- Chelsea's Rosenior confident he has owners' backing - Man United leave Chelsea with 'mountain to climb' to reach UCL