The Blues' domestic form has reached new heights with easy wins over Hull and Sunderland following a rare home defeat against Liverpool - but a 3-1 Champions League setback in the Italian capital was a significant jolt on Tuesday night.

Terry nonetheless believes it may prove a blessing in disguise.

"The result is maybe a kick up the backside that we needed," the England defender told his club's official website, www.chelseafc.com.

"Maybe we need to realise we are not the best side that we thought we are."

Chelsea will get the chance to discover whether the home truths have had the desired effect when they head for Ewood Park on Sunday.

Terry was echoing the words of manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, making it clear he was unhappy with the European performance from start to finish.

"We didn't start well and gave Roma a lift," he said.

"We had plenty of possession but we didn't really go anywhere.

"Roma's line-up wasn't very attacking; things have been difficult for them at home with their fans - and the pressure was on them and their manager.

"They hadn't won for two months, and we gave them the perfect start by not getting out of first gear. It gave them the confidence they needed."

Terry apologised to the travelling Chelsea support, admitting he and the rest of the defence ought to have coped better - specifically in helping to stop Christian Panucci's opening goal for Roma.

"Four of us were there - including 'Big Pete' [goalkeeper Petr Cech] - and we didn't deal with the ball," he recalled.

"We needed to stay with the runners. After that, Alex and I were pushing on and trying to come back - and the team was all over the place.

"We showed no sign of the fight and determination that over the last few years has got us to where we've been.

"Apologies to the fans. It was a great turn-out - and sorry for the result."

Terry remains confident, though, that the remedy is in Chelsea's hands.

"We have been playing some really good football with brilliant movement of late," he said.

"But that has been collectively, as a team, and that is why we have been walking around teams and scoring goals.

"We didn't have any of that this time. We thought we could beat Roma as individuals - and we could never do that."