The Premi-ership champions' previously united front has crumbled in recent weeks, corroded by clashes between manager Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich.

The pair have fallen out over the Portuguese's use of striker Andriy Shevchenko, with Abramovich refusing to sanction more signings in the January transfer window.

That has left Chelsea's Premiership title defence in the balance and last week prompted striker Didier Drogba to claim that the bickering was damaging the club's form.

Cole admitted that Drogba's concerns were shared with the rest of the squad, but maintained that a victory over Forest would help ease the club's rifts and focus minds on the accumulation of silverware.

"We try and keep it as positive as we can," he said.

"Bad results don't help, but it's not down to the board or anyone else to help us stay strong.

"The responsibility of keeping spirits up is ours and we have to prove to everyone that we are a strong unit.

"It's results and trophies which will ultimately help us draw a line under this all - there can't be any more problems if we start winning again and we want that to start against Forest."

Relationships are breaking down all over Stamford Bridge, but the one bond which has remained tight is between Mourinho and his squad.

With the possible exception of Shevchenko, dressing room support for the 44-year-old is absolute, and Cole has now lent his public backing to the under-pressure coach, who is widely expected to quit Chelsea in the summer.

"Jose was the main reason I came to the club so of course I want him to stay," he said.

"It's down to him at the end of the day and we don't know exactly what is happening behind the scenes. But the squad all want Jose to sort out whatever differences he has so we can get back to enjoying each other's company."

The visit of League One opposition promises an ideal opportunity for redemption, although Forest are hardly archetypal minnows.

The two-times European Cup winners harbour grand ambitions of their own, having occupied a place in the promotion places for most of the season, and they enhanced their giant killing credentials by comfortably disposing of Premiership strugglers Charlton Athletic in the third round.