Premier priority for Villas-Boas

Last updated : 13 August 2011 By Team Talk

Villas-Boas this summer became the latest manager charged by Blues owner Roman Abramovich with delivering club football's biggest prize.

But while the Champions League remains the Holy Grail for billionaire Russian Abramovich, Villas-Boas believes it needs to take a back seat - for now.

"The domestic title is always the priority," he said, describing the Champions League as much more of a lottery.

"We're there threatening to challenge. We're not that far away, but it depends so much on the draw, in the group phase and the knockout phases.

"There has been a pattern in the last four years, I know, but that luck is needed still in the Champions League.

"We can raise our level again, though, to be ready to compete in that competition and to get to that final."

If Abramovich's previous behaviour is anything to go by, Villas-Boas' job will ultimately depend upon him delivering the European Cup within his three-year contract.

"In the end, you have to respond to owners' and clubs' expectations," the young coach added.

"I have my own sense of winning the most amount of titles as possible. That's the target for me.

"My players have that kind of ambition, too."

Domestic cup success has been enough to appease Abramovich in the past but it would not be sufficient for Villas-Boas, who said: "I wouldn't be satisfied if we don't win the Premier League.

He added, jokingly: "If I win all four trophies, I'll retire!"

Chelsea lost their air of invincibility last season and getting it back could be crucial to them reclaiming the title from Manchester United.

"It happens with any top team that constantly wins. It's something you can build," said Villas-Boas, whose Porto side won the league without losing a game last season.

"We can't think that people won't raise their level to play teams like that.

"I had that good unbeaten run last season, but the phrases coming from the other managers was always the same: 'Let's be the first to beat them'."

Sunday sees Villas-Boas take charge of his first competitive game when Chelsea travel to Stoke.

His team selection is eagerly anticipated, as are the tactics he will employ.

One difference is expected to involve Chelsea winning the ball higher up the pitch.

"It's about getting the team, the line all pressurising together," said Villas-Boas, who admitted the high-energy approach could have consequences later in the season.

"It can be a challenge because of the intensity of the Premier League and the British game.

"Hopefully, you can face a balance in terms of pressing high, recovering your strength and going again in the next 'action'.

"Bearing in mind our squad, the players offer this kind of flexibility for us. They can do both things.

"Whether they can do it all season, that's a question we'll have to face on a weekly basis."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk