Andre Villas-Boas: Leave the Premier League alone

Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by The Sun

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS has urged the Premier League not to mess with history by scrapping promotion and relegation.

The Chelsea boss was reacting to claims some foreign owners of our big clubs want to make the top flight a closed shop.

And Villas-Boas is backing League Managers Association chief Richard Bevan in opposing the idea.

He said: "If there's one thing that makes the Premier League proud it is her established rules of the past, the history that has prolonged through time in English football.

"That is something that must be taken very seriously into account.

"So that is where I stand. I wouldn't make any changes."

Villas-Boas, in the Blues hotseat for just four months, says he will never forgive himself if he fails to live up to expectations in England.

After turning 34 on Monday, he insists he has no ambitions to become an OAP boss like Alex Ferguson.

The Portuguese coach said: "I don't want to be in this job for a long period and the time will come when I feel satisfied with what I have achieved and I will leave my position.

"Whenever it finishes, I want to have a career I can be proud of.

"Of course it is important to play good football but what is even more visible is the trophy cabinet.

"What is expected of me is to win trophies, particularly at a massive club like Chelsea.

"So I won't forgive myself if I miss the opportunity to collect major trophies with this club."

Villas-Boas is under no illusions his biggest task is to bring Champions League glory to Stamford Bridge for the first time.

And Chelsea can take a big step towards qualifying for the knockout stages by beating Belgian minnows Genk at home tonight.

Fernando Torres is in line to return up front after missing two games through suspension, while other senior players could be rested.

Villas-Boas added: "The most important thing is that we are aware of the talent at our disposal. Any 11 players we put out will be a strong team.

"There are some decisions that will be taken with regard to Sunday's game at QPR.

"Our next two games in the Champions League are home and away to Genk and our target is to take six points, although it will not be easy.

"Our group has become tight because we only drew our last game in Valencia so we want to put ourselves in a better position by living up to our responsibilities at home.

"I am aware Genk have injuries and are going through a difficult period.

"But we must still be aware and concentrated."