"It wasn't my decision, it was Claudio's. Every time you bring in a new player, by implication you are saying someone else isn't good enough. Claudio wants to give the present squad a full season's chance," Bates told Chelsea TV
"There is now a period of stability and he is very happy with that. Fine. It's on his shoulders. Most managers say they want to spend this or that.
"He says 'I'm happy with how it is, just get me a new training ground'!"
Bates also understands that the transfer market has slowed down now and the days of big spending are coming to an end: "It could be a good thing. Cheque-book management is now out and we'll now find out how good the coaches in the Premier League really are as they'll have to cope with their existing squads by and large," he declared.
"The players have got a chance. They've also got no excuses and nor have the coaches. They can't hide behind 'I need to buy this or that'.