Football: Villas-Boas defiant despite defeat

Chelsea’s ambition hit by 2-1 defeat at home by Liverpool.

LONDON: Andre Villas-Boas has rejected suggestions his position as Chelsea manager is under threat and insisted he has the full backing of owner Roman Abramovich despite Sunday’s 2-1 league defeat by Liverpool.

The second loss in a row at home along with the club’s poor start to the league prompted reports that Abramovich is starting to question Villas-Boas’ abilities. But the 33-year-old was adamant that the owner is committed to his long term plans.

“I think it’s not a question of the owner’s patience,” said Villas-Boas. “The club is committed to taking what we’re building to the future. The owner didn’t pay £13 million to get me out of Porto to pay me another fortune to get out.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2011.