Jose Mourinho is calm over the futures of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole - despite the trio’s dwindling Chelsea contracts.
Terry, Lampard and Cole are all on tied down until the summer but would be free to speak with foreign clubs in January over a possible free transfer.
Blues manager Mourinho knows all three players well from his first stint at Stamford Bridge where the England stars became almost untouchable under the Special One.
Earlier this week, Mourinho expressed his belief that Cole, who has been in and out of the side this term, would be rewarded with an extension.
Chelsea have a strict policy of only offering players one-year extensions once they turn 30, with all three falling into this category.
Mourinho though is not worried by the situation and maintains the belief that his trusted troops will not be looking for pastures new in January.
“It’s a situation that doesn’t worry me, doesn’t worry the club and doesn’t worry the players,” he said.
“We want them to play this season and show they can still make an important contribution to the team. We want them to enjoy these last years of their careers. It’s trust. It’s a stable situation.
“Of course, before the end of the season, the club will talk to them and the offer will be on the table. Last season was more complicated. John was not playing. Lampard was almost signing a contract with LA Galaxy and was not feeling important in the team.
"At the moment, the situation is clear, they trust the club and we trust the players.
“There is communication. Respect doesn’t have to do with playing every game. I left Frank on the bench many times, the same with John and Ashley. The club doesn’t decide if they play or doesn’t play. Their desire to play for this club, nobody has doubts about it.
"Without conflict, the best decision for us and for them will be taken.”
Lampard came close to moving to the United States during the close season as LA Galaxy came calling.
Mourinho was in contact with Lampard at the time and advised the central midfielder to stay in England with Chelsea.
“He was doubting about whether to go or not to go,” he added.
“I gave him my opinion at that time when I was Real Madrid manager. I told him to wait. If somebody has doubts, try to show in the last part of the season how important can you be. If your desire is to stay then wait.”
“They [the senior players] speak on the pitch and when they speak on the pitch you can listen. Is Ryan Giggs the same player he was 10 years ago? I don’t think he is. But is he still an important part of Man United? Yes. Is he respected there? Yes.”
