Abramovich’s watching brief won’t distract AVB
CHELSEA boss Andre Villas-Boas insists the presence of owner Roman Abramovich at the club’s training complex this week should not be treated as a sign that the Russian is contemplating condemning him to the Stamford Bridge managerial scrapheap.
Abramovich hired Villas-Boas in the summer, his sixth managerial appointment since he assumed control of the west London club in 2004, but the former Porto boss has been unable to mount a credible challenge for the Premier League title.
Chelsea, who head a four-way battle with Newcastle, Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification, surrendered a three-goal lead against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
That collapse has been followed Abramovich to cast a closer eye over proceedings this week, but Villas-Boas is adamant the increased levels of scrutiny have been anything but a distraction.
The Portuguese revealed talks with Abramovich this week had been “short and accurate and precise” and, ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Everton, he added: “The objectives we have for this season are pretty much outlined.
“You can speculate whatever you want, but for us it is fantastic to have him here. It is not distracting at all.”