Mourinho's moan fuels speculation

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LONDON, England -- Jose Mourinho has fueled speculation about his future at Chelsea with veiled criticism of the club's board for failing to underwrite moves for new players in the January transfer window.

Chelsea's resources have been stretched to the limit by recent injuries to club captain John Terry and the long-term absence of key players such as goalkeeper Petr Cech and midfielder Joe Cole.

Combined with a busy fixture list, Chelsea are still challenging for four trophies, and it is easy to see why Mourinho is keen on new recruits, particularly in defense.

But after Chelsea's disappointing 1-1 draw at fourth flight Wycombe in the first leg of their League Cup semifinal, Mourinho claimed that the club was not planning to bring in any new players during the current transfer window.

Asked whether he had identified possible recruits but been told they would not be arriving, the Portuguese manager replied: "Yes, that is the situation."

Mourinho added: "I do not have to tell you the reason. They are club reasons. This is our situation at the moment. I hear nobody is coming in, and if nobody is coming in, nobody can leave.

"I cannot let a player go, even if he is a player I think should go, because we are very short of options and numbers. It is not my choice - it is not my club. I am just the manager."

His remarks come amid rumors that a rift has opened up between him and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the club's chief executive Peter Kenyon.

Abramovich recently admitted that he did not regard the manager as a 'friend' and there has been a flurry of stories in the British media suggesting that Russian billionaire will seek to bring Guus Hiddink, currently in charge of Russia, to London at the end of this season if Mourinho fails to deliver victory in the Champions League.

Chelsea's form has not been helped by the lackluster displays of major summer signings Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack and Mourinho received a further setback with news that Terry may be some way off a comeback.

"The only thing I know for sure is that John will not play against Wigan on Saturday," Mourinho said.

Terry, who has made a good recovery from back surgery, has now picked up a calf injury.

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