Chelsea at odds over Villas-Boas
Manager admits squad is divided over his approach as Blues battle to finish in top four
UNDER-FIRE Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas admits he is battling a divided dressing room – but insists owner Roman Abramovich still has faith in him.
Villas-Boas is under increasing pressure, with the Blues on course to miss out on Champions League qualification for the first time since Abramovich took over in 2003.
And the former Porto boss yesterday lent credence to suggestions of unrest among the squad by confessing some of his players do not back his approach.
“That is normal,” he said. “They don’t have to back my project. It’s the owner who backs my project.”
Saturday’s defeat at Everton marked a new low in an already disappointing season, but Villas-Boas denies it has nudged him closer to being sacked.
“I don’t think so, but it’s a question that you will have to ask the owner,” he added.
Much has been made of Ambramovich’s increased presence at Chelsea’s training ground this month, yet the 34-year-old believes he retains the Russian’s total confidence.
Villas-Boas said: “I think the owner has full trust in me and will continue to progress with the ideas that we have.”
Abramovich has earned a reputation for ruthlessness with under-performing managers, with five being dismissed during his eight-and-a-half-year tenure.
Villas-Boas, recruited at a cost of £28m in the summer after winning the treble in his first full season at Porto, has always insisted that his remit is to mastermind a long-term project, even if it is at the expense of instant success.
However a failure to qualify for the Champions League would cost the club around £40m, and Abramovich may feel forced to intervene if he is not convinced his team will attain an all-important top-four place.
Chelsea currently lie fifth, behind Arsenal only on goals scored, with 13 Premier League games remaining. Newcastle are just one point behind and Liverpool a further three adrift in what is likely to be a four-way fight.
COMPARED | ROMAN’S MANAGERS
Chelsea managers since Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003 by length of service
Guus Hiddink 3 months, 15 days*
Luiz Felipe Scolari 7 months, 9 days
Andre Villas-Boas 7 months, 25 days
Avram Grant 8 months, 4 days
Claudio Ranieri 10 months, 29 days**
Carlo Ancelotti 1 year, 11 months, 21 days
Jose Mourinho 3 years, 3 months, 18 days
*Left voluntary at end of short-term deal
**Time in charge post-Abramovich buyout