'I'd prefer if a phone doesn't ring': Poch goes to Spain for Chelsea three-day break

Mauricio Pochettino has given Chelsea players and staff a three-day break after the Fulham game. However, he insists that he'll be in touch with Todd Boehly over transfer business.

“We need to give some rest to the players and the staff because it is a really busy period now and they need to breathe a little bit. This break is very useful,” the boss told The Telegraph.

“I need to go to see my family [in Spain] and it is going to be good to have a little bit of a change. I won’t really be able to switch off — not with the chairman. I will need to be available 24 hours in case anything happens to be contacted by the sporting director or the owners. I know that something can always appear in football.

“To be honest, I would prefer it if the phone did not ring. If it does not ring, it is much better for me.”

Chelsea are looking for a new striker this month, with Benzema and Firmino emerging as surprising options. Gallagher has attracted interest from Tottenham and could still be sold this month.