Chelsea boss defends Abramovich training presence

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas insists that the presence of club owner Roman Abramovich at the training ground this week can only be a positive thing, despite reports that Abramovich has been checking up on the Portuguese coach.

Chelsea have endured a very difficult first season under the former Porto coach, and last week's 3-0 lead over Manchester United appeared to give them total control over their Premier League rivals, but a shock second half comeback from United saw the game finish 3-3.


"The objectives we have for this season are pretty much outlined," Villas-Boas said. "We have two competitions where we look better, and another competition where we have to dilute the damage and try to finish fourth, at least, which is not a very honourable position for the dimension of this club.


"Bearing in mind the rest, we focus on the same and a lot of focus on next year's progress as well.


"We have never stopped speaking, because he is physically present it does not mean the conversation has just started now. The conversations have been ongoing, in different modes, but with physical presence you get your ideas across better, which is good.


"You can speculate whatever you want, but for us it is fantastic to have him here. It is not distracting, not at all.


"There is great empathy and motivation for next year's project. At the moment it has been very good, very positive. He is a good person to share knowledge with, ask questions and try to give answers regarding what I do. I think its legitimate, and would compare it to a normal club president/manager relationship."