Villas-Boas slams Chelsea media persecution

After Chelsea battled to a 3-0 victory over Valencia in the Champions League, Portuguese manager Andre Villas-Boas hit out at the English media for a 'persecution' of his team in recent months. Chelsea have struggled in the Premier League this year, and the English press have apparently heaped extra pressure on the former Porto boss.

"My players deserve respect they don't get," Villas-Boas said. "We've been chased by different kinds of people and pressures and here we have given everyone a slap in the face."

Yesterday, the 3-0 victory over Valencia saw Chelsea qualify for the next round of the Champions League. Villas-Boas praised his team for the way they responded: "Finishing top of the group is fantastic -- it is against all odds. Nobody would have put a bet on us finishing top but it has happened and it is very satisfying. The team was excellent. It was a win of human values, team spirit, solidarity, responsibility, strength of character, resilience, ability to take criticism."


Villas-Boas, although happy with the victory, hit out at the media and their 'continuous aggressiveness' towards the Blues: "This is a continuous persecution of Chelsea - continuous aggressiveness towards one club. It is unfortunate for you guys [the media] because you have to report on a brilliant win for Chelsea and we qualify first in the group. It is difficult for everybody and today this is difficult for you."