Ancelotti says Chelsea don't need major changes

Mon Jul 6, 2009 7:50pm BST
 
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By Mitch Phillips

LONDON (Reuters) - New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti began his first day at work for the London club by announcing the signing of Russia midfielder Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow on Monday.

Ancelotti, Chelsea's fifth manager in two years, held a news conference at Stamford Bridge where he also said that captain John Terry, the subject of interest from Manchester City, was not for sale at any price.

"I think that Zhirkov, (goalkeeper Ross) Turnbull, and (striker Daniel) Sturridge are all Chelsea players. I don't know very well Sturridge or Turnbull, but I know Zhirkov," Ancelotti, speaking in English, told Sky Sports News.

The club confirmed on their website (www.chelseafc.com) that a fee had been agreed for the Russian but said the deal was still subject to a medical and agreement on personal terms.

"Zhirkov is naturally on the left. I think he can do all the work and can play in defence and in between," Ancelotti said of the 25-year-old.

Former AC Milan coach Ancelotti, who succeeds short-term boss Guus Hiddink, arrives at Chelsea just as the club are bidding to beat off an approach from Manchester City for Terry.

After initially shocking reporters by joking that he did not know if the defender would be around for the new season, he soon assured them he would.

"There is a question from Manchester City but for Terry there is no price," he said.  Continued...

 
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