Andre Villas-Boas has told his players that while they are not on trial for their jobs, they might very well find themselves collecting their P45 in two weeks.
"No, the players are not on trial," Villas-Boas told Chelsea-Mad following the drab 0-1 win over Portsmouth yesterday.
But he conceded that between now and when they return from their pre-season money-spinner to Asia, he will have made up his mind about who to give the black bag to - to clear their dressing room locker.
But he's suggestion that somehow it's a partnership between players and management where the decision will be made is somewhat disingenuous of him.
One player who won't be on his way is injured Michal Essien: "Essien's injury is a blow to the club," he said.
But then he added, and I don't know why: "I kept in touch with Michael when I left [with Jose Mourinho] - he is a friend."
Let’s be honest this is the man who compiled data and videos of every opponent Chelsea were to face during his time at SW6.
If this guys has done anything it's to know if a player can perform at the required level.
This isn't some schoolboy level team where there are open trials and "everyone is given a fair chance to shine" - this is the ruthless business end of the sport.
If Villas-Boas genuinely doesn’t know who will not cut the mustard then there is no way on earth he should have walked through the front door.
He knows it, the club knows it and frankly the players know it.
The fans know it too, but they don't really count.
Some players are on trial - Hilario or Turnbull will be ditched. The expected signing of Genk's 6ft 6ins tall goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who the club has agreed terms with, will force one of them out - their only chance is that if Chelsea returns Courtois to Genk on loan.
Others like Josh McEachran will hope to make the final cut of 24 but will most likely demand to go out on loan - ditto Daniel Sturridge who Villas-Boas describes as an "interesting player - he's highly regarded" - Err, yes but by whom?
With Alex, Ramires, Luiz and Cech still to return but expected to travel onto Asia; the players who are on trial know exactly who they are.
Have a look at these players - how many are on the move before the transfer deadline of August 31?
Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, Luiz, Essien, Ramires, Lamps, Torres, Benayoun, Drogs, Mikel, Malouda, Bosingwa, Zhirkov, Ferreira, Kalou, Turnbull, JT, Alex, Van Aanholt, Anelka, Hilario, Kakuta, McEachran, Tomas Kalas, Billy Clifford, Milan Lakovic, Carl Magnay, Ryan Bertrand, Aliu Djalo and Nathaniel Chlobah.