Villas-Boas answers his critics with stunning Chelsea victory

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS watched his side charge into the last 16 of the Champions League and then launched a withering attack on Chelsea’s critics. Two goals from Didier Drogba and a strike from Ramires eased the Blues into the knockout phase as the much-vaunted Valencia were dispatched 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

It was a stunning result for Chelsea, all the more so because Bayer Leverkusen’s draw with Genk means that the Blues now top Group E and can look forward to an easier Last 16 opponent when the draw is made on Friday.
 
In the post-match press conference, an emotional Villas-Boas rounded on those reporters who in recent weeks have described a club in crisis after a string of poor results. "We’ve been continually chased by different kinds of people but we’ve given everyone, those critics a slap in the face," said the Portuguese coach. "We have become your target and tomorrow is difficult for you guys because now you'll have to write about Chelsea... My players deserve the respect that they don't get."

Villas-Boas singled out the former Manchester United defender Gary Neville for particular criticism, accusing the television pundit of ridiculing the Blues. "We see a Manchester United defender who says he doesn't want to be in a team like Chelsea," fumed Villas-Boas. "There has been a continuous persecution of Chelsea, continuous aggression for one club."

If Villas-Boas was in bullish mood after Chelsea’s win he had been even more bold before kick-off in his team selection, omitting Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres from his starting line-up in favour of youngster Oriol Romeu and veteran Didier Drogba.

The gamble paid off handsomely as Romeu played with a maturity beyond his 20 years and Drogba scored twice and made a third for Ramires. "The team were excellent. It was win of human values, responsibility, solidarity, strength of character, team spirit, ability to take criticism, resilience and it was a great win for Chelsea players," said Villas-Boas.

Villas-Boas dismissed suggestions that the omission of the 33-year-old Lampard signalled the beginning of the end of the England midfielder’s career at Stamford Bridge. "He is one of the greatest players in the world and will be in contention to come back for the game against Manchester City on Monday," explained Villas-Boas. "Frank was not the only player of immense talent left out tonight." ·