Villas-Boas hits back at critics

Andre Villas-Boas has defended Chelsea’s performance in their 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last Sunday.

Chelsea were criticised in some quarters for their cavalier approach to the heavyweight English Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

While dominating possession for much the encounter, the visitors failed to take enough of their considerable chances, leaving United to hit them on the counterattack and come out on top.

Despite coming away from the match empty-handed, Villas-Boas believes his side were the more impressive throughout the 90 minutes.

“What happened in Old Trafford is a negative result for Chelsea but I have to be fair and I have to say that we were the best team,” he said.

“Not the most efficient team, I would have to agree with you on that perspective.”

“But we were the best team, the team with initiative during the game.”

Villas-Boas rejected the criticism that his team had been too open against United, claiming he was merely continuing Britain’s long-held tradition of playing aggressive football.

“I am surprised that people have taken the view to call us ‘naive and stupid’ at Old Trafford,” he said.

“I found it out of the ordinary as what we did was defend the essence of British football and football well played.”

“And I find it strange that people related to football don’t know where to position what is best for football and what is best for fans because fans are the most important part of our game.”

Chelsea sit third on the English Premier League table, five points back from leaders United.

On Saturday they host the Swansea City of Brendan Rodgers, a former colleague of Villas-Boas’ during their time together as members of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea staff.

Swansea, promoted via the Championship playoffs last season, have developed a reputation for expansive, passing football under Roberto Martinez and now Rodgers, with Villas-Boas reserving high praise for such an ambitious approach.

“I think when you try to implement a philosophy like Brendan is trying to do, there is a dignity in the path that he chooses because it is a difficult path for a team that needs points,” he said.

“He doesn’t leave his philosophy to second place, his philosophy is the most important thing so it preaches good football.”

“Good football played in an attacking way; this is something that has immense value to me.”