AVB welcomes Abramovich presence

Feb 9 2012

Andre Villas-Boas remains relaxed about the recent close scrutiny of owner Roman Abramovich at Chelsea's training ground as the Blues boss focuses on making sure his side finish in the top four of the Barclays Premier League - which he accepts is "not a very honourable position for the dimension of this club".

Chelsea's billionaire Russian owner has been conspicuous by his absence from the club's Cobham base since Villas-Boas became manager last summer, but this past week was on hand to watch first hand Villas-Boas putting the squad through their paces.

Villas-Boas insists the situation has not been a distraction as he prepares for Saturday's trip to Everton, revealing his discussions with Abramovich had been "short and accurate and precise", and said: "The objectives we have for this season are pretty much outlined."

He added: "We have two competitions where we look better, and another competition where we have to dilute the damage and try to finish fourth, at least, which is not a very honourable position for the dimension of this club.

"Bearing in mind the rest, we focus on the same and a lot of focus on next year's progress as well."

Villas-Boas added: "We have never stopped speaking, because he is physically present it does not mean the conversation has just started now.

"The conversations have been ongoing, in different modes, but with physical presence you get your ideas across better, which is good.

"You can speculate whatever you want, but for us it is fantastic to have him here.

"It is not distracting, not at all."