Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he will allow under-fire captain John Terry some time away from the team if he needs it, but insists no decision has yet been made.
Terry led the Blues out in a 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Hull at the KC Stadium last night with all eyes on him following a string of allegations over the England captain’s private life.
The result, secured after Didier Drogba and Steven Mouyokolo traded first-half goals, puts Chelsea two points clear at the top of the Premier League but talk inevitably turned to Terry.
There have been rumours he will be allowed to miss the FA Cup clash with Cardiff on February 13th to get his private affairs in order.
When asked about them, Ancelotti said: “If he needs a holiday I will give him a holiday. If he doesn’t need a holiday then he will play against Cardiff.
“It is an issue for me and John Terry, it is not your problem I think,” the Italian told the post-match press conference.
Ancelotti insists the speculation over his captain has not affected team spirit at Stamford Bridge but was reticent when asked if he had spoken to Terry about it.
“No. I have never had a discussion. I like to speak to my players (but) I don’t like to speak about this. It is not a question I want to speak about here.
“For him nothing has changed. He has played a very good game and every game he is leading very well. He is doing his best every game. The atmosphere in the team is the same. No change.”