Terry refuses to blame players for AVB departure

Chelsea captain John Terry refuted suggestions that the club's senior players were to blame for the early departure of Andre Villas-Boas at Stamford Bridge. Owner Roman Abramovich decided to wield the axe last week and installed Roberto Di Matteo as temporary manager.

John Terry revealed that he actually got on well with the former Porto boss, and that the club's most experienced stars were not at fault for a recent spell of poor form and subsequent sacking of Villas-Boas.


"In all clubs, when players don't play, there's always misunderstandings and people upset about not being played.


"I think because it's Chelsea, people have got this thing about the senior players have got a massive influence and I can assure you that's not the case and it hasn't been since I've been at the football club.


"All the players care about Chelsea football club, the owner certainly does. Andre was very good - unfortunately we didn't get the results. Collectively, not only him, although unfortunately it falls on his head, I think the players and the manager will make mistakes together.


"We all wish him well, he's got a very good future. He's very young as well. This can be a learning experience for him and myself. I got on very well with him."