Tuesday, 3rd December, 2013
Chelsea will not be looking to either buy or sell in the winter, though manager Jose Mourinho insists he remains as open to unforeseen deals as the market itself.
The Blues go into the busy December period in second place in the table – just four points off the pace – but still facing the kind of stumbling blocks that leaders Arsenal have largely managed to avoid.
Defeats to Newcastle United and Everton, and indeed the double loss to FC Basel in Europe, have put the spotlight on squad additions, this after a summer filled with big-name arrivals.
Add the constant speculations around Chelsea players leaving and Mourinho was expected to wield his might come January. But when pressed the reply at a press conference was a stark: "I'm not expecting moves.
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"The market will be open for a month, so in the market you never know what can happen but I don't think so.
"[Sales] can happen. You never know the desires of players. They, of course, try to put our club in the most important position. But we cannot forget the players individually; what can be also good for them."
The left-back position, in particular, has been a point of concern with Ashley Cole still not back to full 90-minute fitness, meaning right-back Cesar Azpilicueta is filling in.
A quick-buy has been speculated, but Mourinho is happy to adapt, adding: "We are fine. I trust what I have and I think a left-back with a right foot is not a big problem. They are very comfortable in defending the inside space."
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