Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti played questions over Ray Wilkins shock departure with a straight bat yesterday.
The Sun says insiders at Stamford Bridge yesterday claimed Wilkins had ruffled too many feathers in the middle-management tier at the club and that some of the foreign players were unimpressed with his methods in training.
Ancelotti was flanked by a club media man determined he should say as little as possible, even threatening to end yesterday's Press conference if journalists persisted in asking about Wilkins' sudden departure.
The Italian said: "We have to look forward and focus on the next game. It will be an important season for us, and it's important to move on.
"He did a fantastic job and was a fantastic support.
"He knew English football very well and was experienced as an assistant. He did his job very well.
"Nobody will forget what Ray did for this club. I don't think this decision doesn't show respect for Ray. Everyone has respect for Ray. Also the club who made this decision.
"I spoke with the players just to tell them that the club made this decision.
"We have to move on and stay focused. The players are focused on this season."
