Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi believes too much emphasis is placed on the performance of managers rather than players after his predecessor Graham Potter was sacked at Chelsea.
Potter, 47, left the Seagulls in September to take over at Stamford Bridge but was dismissed by the Londoners less than seven months into his reign following a 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
With the Blues languishing in 11th, Italian boss De Zerbi believes Potter's old playing squad must also shoulder the blame for their underwhelming season.
He said: "I'm sorry and it's bad news for the coaches. There is too much importance on coaches — players are the most important.
"I don't like it when coaches are sacked because responsibility is also on players and the clubs.
"I'm lucky to have these players here, they are the most important.
"I have a team with a very good mentality, very good attitude. I have to thank Graham Potter.
"It is difficult when you don't know the situation or another dressing room. I don't like speaking about other teams and coaches.
"I am sorry because when there are these situations they are sad."
De Zerbi, 43, has continued Potter's good work since taking charge last year, with his side currently occupying sixth spot in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow's trip to relegation-threatened Bournemouth.
And the former Shakhtar Donetsk boss wants his players to give everything they can in their bid to achieve European football for the first time in their history.
He added: "We are playing very well at the moment but if we want to reach our target, we have to improve.
"Our target is to play in Europe. Which competition, we will see, but we want to play three times a week next year!
"Our away form is not my record, it is the record of the players. We are pleased with our form."
