AVB welcomes Roman presence

Chelsea's billionaire Russian owner has been conspicuous by his absence from the club's Cobham base since Villas-Boas became manager last summer.

However, this past week the man who bankrolled Chelsea's rise was on hand to watch first hand as Villas-Boas put the squad through their paces, looking to bounce back from last weekend's draw with Manchester United in a game they had lead 3-0.

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".

"The objectives we have for this season are pretty much outlined," insisted Villas-Boas.

"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."

No distraction

Villas-Boas insists the speculation over his meetings with Abramovich are not a distraction for him.

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

"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."

Chelsea are set to be boosted by the return of Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole for this weekend's trip to Everton and Villas-Boas is delighted to have the England pair available again after injury and suspension respectively.

"It is a major re-strengthening of the squad bearing in mind the options available," noted Villas-Boas.

"It is good to have Frank back and Ashley back from suspension, so we will look stronger."