Andre Villas-Boas admits it would helpful if leading members of the Chelsea board came out and backed up his comments regarding his future.
Blues boss would welcome public show of support
Andre Villas-Boas admits it would helpful if leading members of the Chelsea board came out and backed his comments regarding his future.
The Blues boss maintains that he has the full support of owner Roman Abramovich and prominent figures in the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.
He is, however, being forced to fend off speculation suggesting he is on borrowed time with ever-increasing regularity.
Chelsea's tumble out of the Premier League's top four, coupled with a disappointing showing against Birmingham in the FA Cup fifth round, has seen Villas-Boas' position called into question.
He is now under immense pressure to deliver in the UEFA Champions League, with the Blues set to travel to Napoli for the first leg of their last-16 showdown on Tuesday.
Villas-Boas claims he has been given assurances that he will not be sacked if Chelsea slip out of Europe, but concedes that his words would be better coming from those who make such decisions.
Belief
"I know what I am saying would be more valuable for you coming from the top, but as the voice of Chelsea I will continue to perpetuate this message that we believe in what we are doing," said the Portuguese.
"We have great belief in the future. We are setting up a team to win us many trophies.
"The speculation over my future is normal given the cultural past of this football club, but you must understand there is a different perspective now.
"I cope with the pressure and have the full confidence of my owner. I am here to do my job and my job is for this year and the next two years.
"This season I remain confident that we will do well in the Champions League and FA Cup. Hopefully the support from the owner will continue."
Villas-Boas claims his critics need to appreciate that Chelsea are in the process of rebuilding, with the club hoping to enjoy a productive present, but ultimately working towards a brighter future.
Culture
"We are changing not only the team but the culture and structure of the club," he said.
"There's a lot to be done, a lot of plans, that's why I am excited about the future.
"This club, from 2004, has made a dramatic change for the best in terms of their past.
"It is the richest part of the club's history, full of trophies and success. We have to perpetuate that into the future.
"To do that there have to be changes and you can't sustain the same habits you had in 2004, when an environment and team were created.
"This is now the project, to change and win trophies again."
