Chelsea's Andre Villas-Boas insists he has Roman Abramovich’s backing despite poor form

Posted Saturday, November 26, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas insists he has the backing of club owner Roman Abramovich, despite the team’s recent poor run of form.

Chelsea lost 2-1 away to Bayer Leverkusen midweek to put its hopes of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League in doubt, with speculation growing that the Portuguese boss could face the axe if his side's form does improve soon.

However, the former Porto coach is adamant he has the support of the Russian oligarch for the foreseeable future, despite having won just one game in their past seven outings.

Asked by reporters if he would be given the time needed to instigate a change of fortunes at the west London club, the 34-year-old simply said: “Yes.”

The coach confirmed he and Abramovich had spoken since the loss on Wednesday, but refused to elaborate on what was said in the conversation.

“Everybody wants to get out of a situation like this," he added.

The manager was also eager to underline that there was no panic amongst the players in the Stamford Bridge dressing room.

“Not critical meetings, no animosity, not insults here and there, no critique whatsoever regarding what we are doing, no doubts whatsoever regarding what we are doing. Self-confidence and self-belief is what we need now and everybody wants to get it. That thing only comes with wins.

“The philosophy will be the last thing to die at this club. It's a thing that makes technical staff and players very, very proud.”

Following Guus Hiddink's recent departure from his position as coach of Turkey, suggestions had been made that the Dutchman could be in line to make a return to Stamford Bridge, possibly in a director capacity, something which Villas-Boas is against.

“I don't agree with that,” he said, “I don't solve problems on my own. I solve them with my group of people and my group of players. I'm not a religious person, so I just hold on to my self-belief and the belief in my players' talents.”

The Blues boss also admitted that whilst there is pressure building on his side, having lost three of their last four Premier League games, he is not suffering from the increased focus on his team's performances.

“The spotlight is something that I don't think is disturbing to me," he concluded. "It doesn't disturb me whatsoever. It's not about me as an individual; it's about my group of players and this football club.”