Yaya Toure: You cannot underestimate 'wounded animal' Chelsea

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has expressed a note of caution as many revel in the struggles of Chelsea, describing the troubled English champion as a "wounded animal."

The Blues' 2-1 loss at Leicester City on Monday has left manager Jose Mourinho's future shrouded in doubt as the club sits just one point above the Premier League drop zone.

City's physical Ivorian, however, has warned those writing off Chelsea to do so at their peril.

"In general, I don't like talking about my opponents too much, but it's obvious that at the moment it's not the real Chelsea that we see playing every week in the league," the 32-year-old told France Football, according to ESPN FC.

"They're unrecognisable. They have too many problems - both defensively and in their attacking efficiency - for it to reflect their true level. I think all the great players go through a period where nothing works. It happens to everyone. You'd say that they have a massive lack of confidence.

"But since over there there are really great players and a really great manager, it would be a major error to consider that they're already beaten or are resigned (to defeat). Watch out, Chelsea are a wounded animal. You have to be wary of that."

Chelsea has also been handed a tough draw in the Champions League, with Paris Saint-Germain laying in wait for the Round of 16 in February, but Toure believes that will also be a lot closer than some predict.

"At the moment, it's clear that PSG, who every English club wants to avoid, seem better than Chelsea. They're quite an impressive team - perfectly organised. But in three months a lot of things can happen in the two camps."

Chelsea takes on Sunderland in Saturday's Premier League action, while Toure is likely to feature in City's trip to title rival Arsenal on Monday.