Spotlight on Mourinho as Chelsea struggle

LONDON, Jan 11 (Reuters) Speculation over Jose Mourinho's stay at Stamford Bridge looks certain to increase after their charismatic manager said his personal future was not important for Chelsea.

Speaking after his injury-hit champions drew 1-1 with fourth division Wycombe Wanderers in the League Cup semi-finals, Mourinho also hinted he was at odds with the club's board -- who he said would not be spending in the January transfer window.

By their own high standards, Chelsea's expensively-assembled side are clearly going through a lean spell.

The Cup first leg result yesterday, due in part to absentees, followed a Premier League run of three draws that have left them six points behind leaders Manchester United.

However, the situation is hardly calamitous.

As Mourinho pointed out, Chelsea are close to a place in the League Cup final, they have reached the Champions League last 16, the FA Cup fourth round and are second in the league table.

''I think Chelsea are in a good position,'' Mourinho told Sky Sports. ''And that's the way I've worked all my career -- that I'm not important, the club is important.'' Underlining his point, he added: ''My future is not important, the important thing is Chelsea.'' His comments show a sense of modesty not usually associated with the Portuguese coach, who has previously basked in being the ''special one''.

CHELSEA FACTS They are also strikingly at odds with some basic facts.

Before Mourinho's arrival in the wake of his 2004 Champions League final triumph with Porto, Chelsea had not won the league since way back in 1955.

Mourinho won it in his first season, along with the League Cup, and retained the league title in emphatic style last term. This season's race is far from over, despite United's edge.

Along with transforming the club's results, Mourinho has also helped players to reach another level, notably midfielders Frank Lampard and Joe Cole, the latter now an England regular.

His skipper, John Terry, has gone on to become England captain and the central defender's absence with a back injury has played a big part in Chelsea's recent dip in form.

Though his side are stretched, Mourinho indicated that Chelsea would not be spending this month, saying: ''I do not have to tell you the reason. They are club reasons.

''This is our situation at the moment. I hear nobody is coming in, and if nobody is coming in, nobody can leave. I cannot let a player go, even if he is a player I think should go, because we are very short of options and numbers.

''It is not choice - it is not my club. I am just the manager.'' Mourinho is no stranger to controversy and he surprised many last April by saying after his team had lifted the league title that he had considered leaving.

''This is the worst club in the world to manage,'' he said after his side had beaten United 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. ''You can achieve, you can win, but it's never enough.'' Whether or not Chelsea finish the season top of the table, Mourinho will probable be considering his options. In the current climate, few would be shocked if he decided to move on.

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