Source: PA
Zhirkov going nowhere - Ancelotti
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has told unsettled Yury Zhirkov that he will not be allowed to quit Stamford Bridge.
The Russia international defender will make his first start for Chelsea this season against MSK Zilina in the Champions League on Wednesday after claiming he is set to consider his future in the January transfer window.
Zhirkov, signed for £18.2million from CSKA Moscow last year, was hampered by knee problems during his first season at the club. The defender has struggled to break into Ancelotti's team this season with England left-back Ashley Cole and France winger Florent Malouda in sparkling form.
But while Zhirkov has already made his frustration clear, Ancelotti was quick to put an end to any further speculation by speaking out on the issue for the first time.
"I don't need to speak with him about the future," said Ancelotti. "That is because his future is here with Chelsea. He is a good player. He knows in this club, in the top teams, there is a lot of competition to play and for this reason, he has to improve.
"But I think that he will have the possibility to play a lot of games this year, because we are involved in a lot of competitions. We need to have all the players fit and ready to play."
