Source: Daily_Mail
Ancelotti has cash to splash but the Blues boss will rely on fringe players
Strength in depth: Ancelotti is happy with his squad[LNB]Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists there is money to spend at Stamford Bridge but the Italian is happy to give young players an opportunity while the likes of Didier Drogba are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. [LNB] Drogba, John Mikel Obi, Salomon Kalou and Michael Essien are scheduled to represent their countries for the bulk of January, with Ancelotti persisting with his fringe players rather than bolstering his squad. [LNB]Ancelotti is adamant the policy has nothing to do with the club recording losses of £44.4million for 2009 and looking to break even as soon as possible. [LNB]'It's not true that the club said we don't want to buy a new player,' said the Chelsea boss. 'Together, we took this decision to maintain this squad because we think this squad is a good squad, is able to play the games we have in January, and we have a possibility to give an opportunity - a great opportunity - to the young players if it's necessary. [LNB]'Why not? It's a decision that we took together. It's not true that the club don't want to buy players. If it's necessary to do this, then we can do it. It's not a question of money. Absolutely not.'[LNB]Ancelotti spoke shortly after the club's 2009 financial figures were released. [LNB] [LNB] Chelsea are operating effectively free from debt after Roman Abramovich wiped off £340million owed to him - but the prospect of the club breaking even by 2010 appears unlikely after recording losses of £44.4m. [LNB]The losses are down from the previous year, and Ancelotti joked: 'Maybe I have a contract with less money in respect to the last few coaches!'[LNB]He added: 'I'm not a financial man, but I'm happy for this. I think it's important for a club to maintain its accounts in a good situation. If Chelsea have reduced their losses, it's good.'[LNB]Abramovich halved the club's debt a year ago by turning 50 per cent of his interest-free loans into shares, with Chelsea revealing in their 2009 financial figures he has done the same with the remainder of the money owed. [LNB] National service: Drogba has joined up with his Ivory Coast team-mates[LNB]It means the 43-year-old has ploughed more than £700m into the club and, importantly, means Chelsea will be confident of complying with any potential regulations on debt levels from FIFA or UEFA. [LNB]The news will also remove any fears of a meltdown if Abramovich ever decided to walk away from football, although a statement from Chelsea insisted it 'demonstrates the continuing commitment from the shareholder to the group'. [LNB]The Russian has bankrolled Chelsea since 2003 and former chief executive Peter Kenyon previously spoke of the club breaking even by 2010. [LNB]The losses announced by the club are down from £65.7m last year but show the club still to be reliant on their owner. [LNB]The figures included a compensation payment of £12.6million to Luiz Felipe Scolari and three of his staff following the Brazilian's dismissal as manager. [LNB] Roman's £340m Christmas gift: Chelsea owner Abramovich writes off huge debtBlackburn extend Di Santo's loan from Chelsea until the end of the season Roman's numerals: Sportsmail's guide to the mouthwatering expenditure of Chelsea owner Abramovich Chelsea players urging Ancelotti to spend as dressing-room fears growCHELSEA FC
