Chief executive Ron Gourlay insists that Chelsea's future lies in a combination of experienced professionals and academy kids.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is on the brink of an historic league and FA Cup double as Chelsea prepare to face Portsmouth at Wembley on Saturday on the back of winning the Premier League with a 8-0 thumping of Wigan
But, with critics claiming Chelsea's ageing squad is beyond its best, Gourlay said: "The balance is being able to bring players through from the academy and offset some of the higher costs we have spent over the years."
He added: "The bottom line here is that Carlo will recommend any players that he wants in the squad next year.
"What I must say and stress, is that we still have to get this club self-sufficient.
"That is still the goal. We have worked very hard at the academy level."
Source: PA
