Bosnich: Stayaway six cost us dear

Mark Bosnich today admitted the decision to leave six first-team stars at home played a major part in Chelsea's shock UEFA Cup defeat in Israel.

As the team returned to London's Stansted Airport early this morning, Chelsea's management continued to stick by their controversial decision to let Marcel Desailly, Emmanuel Petit, Graeme Le Saux, William Gallas, Albert Ferrer and Eidur Gudjohnsen miss the trip because of security fears.

But last night's 2-0 second round first-leg defeat against Hapoel Tel Aviv has left Chelsea facing a difficult task in the return at Stamford Bridge on 1 November.

And although Bosnich, who made his debut in a Chelsea shirt last night, said each player had the right to choose whether they made the journey, he did not attempt to disguise the damaging effects of the players' absence.

Bosnich said: "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't significant - of course it is. Of the six players who didn't go, three or four of them are the heart of our team so that's just telling the truth.

"But we've got a big squad and it's disappointing that with so little time left to go we couldn't pick up a 0-0. They've still got to come to our place and that won't be easy for them. We'll make sure of that.

"At the end of the day we live in a democracy and everyone's got freedom of speech. Each person's opinion should be treated with respect." The Australian international has been waiting for his chance to prove himself since he joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Manchester United nine months ago.

And he did his chances of keeping his place in the first team for the Premiership clash with Leeds on Sunday no harm at all with some good saves. But they weren't enough to keep a clean sheet and he admits that soured the thrill of his debut.

He added: "I was only playing because the other two keepers were injured. I felt rusty - it's been 18 months since I played - and did okay, but then unless the side wins you're never satisfied."