Wednesday 30 December 2015 23:06, UK
Guus Hiddink has no plans to make any of his players available for transfer in the January transfer window after Aston Villa boss Remi Garde publicly declared his interest in signing Chelsea striker Loic Remy.
Villa are keen to bolster their relegation-threatened squad and on Wednesday, Garde described Remy as someone who would be an "interesting player" for his team.
Remy has been limited to a bit-part role this season, scoring three goals and making just four starts in all competitions with only one coming in the Premier League.
However, Hiddink appears reluctant to break up his squad with Chelsea languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and facing a battle to pull away from the lower reaches of the table themselves.
"He's our player so we are not going into that," he told reporters ahead of Chelsea's Sky Live clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"You have to respect where the players are. If you are interested, talk first to the people with whom they are contracted. You cannot go into details.
"The player has signed a contract here and must be fit for us. He's having a difficult time regarding his injuries. He has to prove first of all that he's a good Chelsea player. He has had a calf problem for several days.
"I think we need all the players until the end of the season.
"You know better than I do that Chelsea was in and is still in a position where they have to improve a lot to go up in the table and we need all the players at the moment. So we don't talk and go into rumours, wherever they come from."
Hiddink also dismissed the notion that Cesc Fabregas is unhappy amid reports in the Italian press that the midfielder is seeking a move away from Chelsea, with Serie A sides AC Milan and Juventus waiting in the wings.
"He's coming in with a smile and that's what I always like when players come in with a smile and not a worn-out face," Hiddink said.
Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford was sent on a season-long loan to Crystal Palace, but Hiddink admitted his future remains unclear after the striker told reporters on Monday he would leave the Eagles after failing to make a league start this season.
"That is an issue between the two clubs [Chelsea and Crystal Palace]. We have to respect that and management and directors will talk about that situation," he said.
Hiddink also confirmed discussions are ongoing between Chelsea and MLS side Montreal Impact over Didier Drogba returning to Stamford Bridge. Hiddink is unsure what role Drogba could return in, but says the Ivorian would be best suited to a hands-on coaching role.
"Didier is that rare kind of ex-player with big status who would be very good for any club to have, especially him because he's a Chelsea legend," he said. "But he has a contract with Montreal at the moment, and we have to respect that also.
"In what capacity depends on the player himself. You have to give them time and opportunities to find out what's best for them.
"It might be on the coaching staff or as ambassador, but that's a bit more of an official function for me. Guys like him need to be in the squad helping younger players, all the players, with their huge experience.
"I'm not in favour of a big ambassador travelling the world in a tie. I think they must give their huge experience to all, especially young kids, but also the older ones when they are in trouble in their career."
