Antonio Conte says he will dismiss notions of new Chelsea faces in the January transfer window - providing the current crop do the business before then.
Blues got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win at Hull at the weekend; their first Premier League win in four attempts.
But the Italian in charge made it plain it could be too late to do anything from February onwards to make a top four slot if the improvement falters.
However, if needs must, some of the current regime will be jettisoned as part of a rebuild especially after owner Roman Abramovich has promised new funding.
"The present is now more important," he said.
"January is a long way away. I don't see an opportunity in January to spend money or change things.
"Now I see the present. I see in the present the opportunity to improve, and we must continue to change the story of last season.
"I repeat: last season it was very clear. I think that me and the players, none of us has forgotten this."
Conte looked at beefing up his defence in the summer, but some of the telephone numbers quoted for new players, like Kalidou Koulibaly , drew a sharp intake of breath - even at free-spending Chelsea.
If his new intent of three at the back works, he may well yet save his owner a heap more cash.
