Villas-Boas plays down Hiddink talk

A DEFIANT Andre Villas-Boas has claimed he does not need Guus Hiddink’s help to transform Chelsea’s season and that Roman Abramovich is still fully supportive despite a dire run of form that will become three consecutive defeats if Wolverhampton Wanderers win at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

In a wide-ranging response to criticism, the Portuguese said there was no problem with the “high-line” defence blamed for recent defeats, and insisted that even if senior players suggested the team’s system was not working there would be no change.

He was also scathing of Michael Ballack’s claim that Chelsea were not strong enough during their 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Hiddink took charge of Chelsea on a caretaker basis in early 2009 and guided them to the FA Cup before leaving that summer to continue coaching Russia. The Dutchman recently finished a stint as Turkey coach after they lost a Euro 2012 play-off to Croatia and hinted he may be open to rejoining Chelsea in some capacity.

Villas-Boas, though, was clear he would not welcome this. Asked if, at only 34, he may need to draw on the experience of Hiddink, the manager said: “No, I don’t agree with that. I solve them (problems) with my group of people and players and it’s been like that throughout. I have nobody I turn to. Not a religious person so just hold on to self-belief.”

Hiddink had said earlier in the week: “When I go to London, I am always welcome at Cobham (Chelsea’s training ground) and the stadium. I will take some time off and see what the future brings.”

But pressed on how Villas-Boas would react if Abramovich suggested bringing in Hiddink if the poor run continued, he said: “I have no comments to make on that question.”

The pressure on Villas-Boas heightened after the loss to Leverkusen, a result that means they must win or keep a clean sheet in their final group game against Valencia to make the Champions League knockout stages.

It followed Liverpool’s 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge last weekend. With Arsenal also winning 5-3 in Chelsea’s previous home game, their last victory at the Bridge was over a month ago, and Villas-Boas has now overseen five defeats from his opening 19 games in charge – the worst start of any manager since Abramovich became owner in 2003.

Villas-Boas was dismissive of Ballack’s comments: “Michael is always very self-opinionated. I disagree with him. He doesn’t live in this dressing room. He used to live here before and didn’t solve many problems then. He has to make a self-analysis of his time here and maybe draw other conclusions.”

The “high-line” defence places Chelsea’s back four further up the field than in recent seasons, with questions being asked about whether a rearguard led by John Terry has the pace to deal adequately with balls over the top and quick counter-attacks.

Villas-Boas, though, retains faith in the strategy. “First the high line is a misconception. Tell me the goal we suffered from that,” he said.

“It’s a misconception turned into opinion-making. That influenced players and people in football without the correct understanding of how it’s being applied. Nobody had a problem with the high line (in the) second half against Liverpool when we were pressing and creating opportunities.”

If Terry and other senior players were to suggest to Villas-Boas that the current approach was not working there would also be no debate.

“The philosophy and the way we are set out is not in question, whatsoever. The philosophy will be the last to die. It makes technical staff and players proud. What we have shown, even in defeat, means we want to stick with it to the end of season. We must believe in our work and continue to do,” Villas-Boas said, before claiming that relations were cordial between him and the players.

Villas-Boas also added that in conversation with Abramovich there was no mention of any notion of how long he will be given to transform the team’s fortunes. “My contract is a three-year contract. There was no mention of time,” he said.