Jose Mourinho has publicly challenged William Gallas to explain why he has yet to play for Chelsea this season as the manager continued his tough stance with the unsettled left-back.
Gallas missed the club's pre-season training camp in the United States but despite returning to full training, the defender has yet to figure for Chelsea.
The Frenchman was recently the subject of a bid from London rivals Arsenal, possibly as part of a deal which would pave the way for Ashley Cole to move in the other direction.
But a move to the Emirates Stadium now looks increasingly unlikely as the transfer window deadline approaches.
Mourinho has urged the player and his agent to organise a press conference and explain why he is not playing.
Asked what the latest position with Gallas was, Mourinho said: "The best thing to do is to ask him. People should talk to his agent and try to have a press conference with Gallas.
"There are a lot of answers but answers he should be the one to give. It is not that I don't want to tell but I shouldn't be the one to say things that he should tell. This situation deserves a press conference with the player."
Mourinho's comments followed a typically abrasive response to more criticism of his players.
Chelsea slumped to a shock defeat against Middlesbrough last week but recovered to earn their second win of the season at Blackburn on Sunday.
But Mourinho found himself having to fend off accusations that his side did not give Boro's players enough respect and that England captain John Terry dived to win their second-half penalty at Ewood Park.
Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer felt that Chelsea did not acknowledge Boro's 2-1 victory last Wednesday night in an appropriate manner.
But Mourinho denied his claims and advised him to enjoy the moment instead of making "stupid" remarks
Mourinho said: "In football it is very difficult for the big people to lose matches but it is also very difficult for small people to win big matches.
"When you win and you are not used to winning big matches, you have also to behave. "(Schwarzer) is a very good 'keeper and because of that I don't believe he has vision problems.
"I don't believe because he is a good 'keeper that he didn't see Chelsea players exchanging shirts with Middlesbrough players.
"I don't believe he didn't see the Chelsea manager waiting for Middlesbrough players at the end of the game to congratulate them.
"I don't understand what he is saying. It is better to enjoy the moment he beat Chelsea and don't say stupid things, because he won a good game." PA
