Villas-Boas still on player hunt

Last updated : 12 August 2011 By Team Talk

Villas-Boas is confident his current squad is strong enough to get all three points at Stoke, but the 33-year-old says that does not mean there will be no further personnel changes over the next 19 days.

"We are happy with the squad we have at the moment going into the Stoke game, and we're in maximum condition to bring back the three points," said Villas-Boas.

"Nobody in the Chelsea dressing room is under evaluation. We're assessing what we have in the market. We're happy this is what is happening for Stoke."

Villas-Boas, who has been discussing transfer targets with owner Roman Abramovich, added: "This doesn't mean that we won't be adding up to the 31st. That's what we've been discussing throughout with him."

Villas-Boas refused to comment on whether Chelsea had or would make a third bid for Luka Modric after they saw offers of ?22million and ?27million rejected.

He was also coy about his eagerly-anticipated starting XI for Sunday's game, particularly whether Didier Drogba or Fernando Torres would lead the attack.

Torres is expected to be fit despite suffering some memory loss after being concussed in Spain's friendly defeat in Italy on Wednesday.

One thing that looks certain is that he and Drogba will not be partnering each other.

"We favour a 4-3-3 formation and that's what we're focusing on," said Villas-Boas, who suggested Nicolas Anelka could even be asked to spearhead the side.

Should Romelu Lukaku put the finishing touches on his move from Anderlecht, that would give Chelsea a surplus of forwards.

"In the end, that's a sector where we have a lot of options," said Villas-Boas, who sidestepped the question of whether any of his strikers would now be sold or loaned out.

"If we decide to bring more in, or take a decision on the players we have, we will make that decision."

Almost as much attention will be focused on Villas-Boas himself as his team selection this weekend.

Villas-Boas is not only the youngest manager in the top flight but arguably the one under the most pressure, with his job seemingly dependent on delivering at least one trophy in his maiden season.

It is a challenge he is ready to embrace.

"I just want to be first," said the former Academica and Porto boss.

"We look for excellence and look to win back the title that escaped us last season.

"We'll do everything in our power to win it back. We've had a good pre-season and everyone is feeling excited to coming back to competitive games. Hopefully this first challenge is important.

"Stoke away, one of the magnificent teams of the Premier League."

Villas-Boas has also faced inevitable comparisons with fellow Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who he previously worked under at Stamford Bridge.

John Terry admitted this week even he could not help but notice similarities.

Villas-Boas said: "It would come from all sectors, from my players, from the media.

"I don't have enough personality to copy people. I express myself as I am.

"It's for others if they see a certain coincidence in that. I've lived with it through my short managerial career. I have no problem with it."

Age has also been a constant theme since Villas-Boas' appointment, both for the manager and his players.

He said: "People are obsessed with age. 'The players are old and the manager is young'. You have to be, at any age, competent enough to be successful. I think we're competent enough."

But what about nerves for a man who is a relative newcomer to management.

"No, I was nervous at Academica. From then on, I've been pretty much looking forward to it."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk