Former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas: 'I like it creative'

Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas claims that he will run the club in a democratic manner, insisting that he is not a dictator.

The 33-year-old was appointed as the successor to Italian Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked after a trophyless season at Stamford Bridge. In contrast, the young Portuguese manager created history by becoming the youngest ever tactician to win a European trophy - adding the Europa League to a domestic double last season.

Discussing his managerial style, Villas-Boas told The Mirror: "I’m no dictator.

"I encourage freedom of choice in football. Players can only achieve their true ­potential if they are not ­shackled and are able to stand on their own two feet.

"Creativity in my players is important. I love the unpredictable part of the game.

"I strongly believe that ­players have to express themselves to their full potential, they must be able to make choices during the game."

Villas-Boas also admitted that he has landed his dream job, and hopes to fulfil his managerial potential in the role.

"I want ­success. I have expectations and want to look back on a career I can be proud of," he said. "I want to win ­championships, I want to explore other leagues and embrace different social and cultural behaviour.

"This job is all I ever wanted. I accept people may view it as a gamble employing someone so young, but if I didn’t believe I could succeed what is the point?"

Villas-Boas was the seventh manager in Roman Abramovich's eight-year reign as Chelsea owner, succeeding Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Ancelotti.

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Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas claims that he will run the club in a democratic manner, insisting that he is not a dictator.

The 33-year-old was appointed as the successor to Italian Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked after a trophyless season at Stamford Bridge. In contrast, the young Portuguese manager created history by becoming the youngest ever tactician to win a European trophy - adding the Europa League to a domestic double last season.

Discussing his managerial style, Villas-Boas told The Mirror: "I’m no dictator.

"I encourage freedom of choice in football. Players can only achieve their true ­potential if they are not ­shackled and are able to stand on their own two feet.

"Creativity in my players is important. I love the unpredictable part of the game.

"I strongly believe that ­players have to express themselves to their full potential, they must be able to make choices during the game."

Villas-Boas also admitted that he has landed his dream job, and hopes to fulfil his managerial potential in the role.

"I want ­success. I have expectations and want to look back on a career I can be proud of," he said. "I want to win ­championships, I want to explore other leagues and embrace different social and cultural behaviour.

"This job is all I ever wanted. I accept people may view it as a gamble employing someone so young, but if I didn’t believe I could succeed what is the point?"

Villas-Boas was the seventh manager in Roman Abramovich's eight-year reign as Chelsea owner, succeeding Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Ancelotti.

Someone like Modric is what Chelsea need - Wilkins

Former England man backs Torres to shine next season and denies the Blues squad is too old to compete for the Premier League title after losing out to United this term

Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins has backed the Blues to spend big in the summer to keep up with the Premier League elite, and supports their attempts to sign Tottenham star Luka Modric.

With league winners Manchester United already splashing the cash on Blackburn defender Phil Jones and Manchester City expected to spend big again, Wilkins believes Chelsea need to do the same simply to keep up.

"If you're left behind in the transfer market you'll be left behind in the Premier League," said Wilkins, who was talking at the announcement of the FA Cup's sponsorship deal with Budweiser.

"Yes, there will be money spent I'm sure with all the clubs throughout the Premier League. Modric has been mentioned to Chelsea, he'd be a great addition to any squad. That type of player is what you're looking for."

With Blues stalwarts John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba all the wrong side of 30 there have been suggestions that the three-time Premier League champions need an injection of youth after seeing the league title slip out of their hands to Manchester United this season.

When asked if the Chelsea team was too old, Wilkins, who helped the Blues to a league and cup double in 2010, said: "No, not at all.

"I've been with them, I know their fitness levels and they are quite superb so there's really no problem as far as the age is concerned. It just needs a little tinkering here and there and they will be fine.

"They are a wonderfully gifted bunch of guys and they will be back. They will be pushing for it next year, they have a wonderful desire to win, as a unit they are different class. They just need that little additive [to the squad] and I'm sure they will be fine."

In the last transfer window Chelsea splashed out £50m on Fernando Torres but in 18 games the Spaniard managed just one goal, and Wilkins believes such a hefty price tag can weigh heavy on a player's shoulders, but backed the former Liverpool man to return to glory next season.

"I believe you will see him come to the fore next year, no question about it, he's a wonderfully gifted guy and there is no reason why he shouldn't flourish," said Wilkins.

"Lots of players would say it [a big price tag] wouldn't matter but I suppose at the back of your mind you are still worried about it. You'd want to produce and I think he feels disappointed that he hasn't been able to deliver the type of goals that Chelsea wanted but that will happen next year I'm sure."

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Former England man backs Torres to shine next season and denies the Blues squad is too old to compete for the Premier League title after losing out to United this term

Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins has backed the Blues to spend big in the summer to keep up with the Premier League elite, and supports their attempts to sign Tottenham star Luka Modric.

With league winners Manchester United already splashing the cash on Blackburn defender Phil Jones and Manchester City expected to spend big again, Wilkins believes Chelsea need to do the same simply to keep up.

"If you're left behind in the transfer market you'll be left behind in the Premier League," said Wilkins, who was talking at the announcement of the FA Cup's sponsorship deal with Budweiser.

"Yes, there will be money spent I'm sure with all the clubs throughout the Premier League. Modric has been mentioned to Chelsea, he'd be a great addition to any squad. That type of player is what you're looking for."

With Blues stalwarts John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba all the wrong side of 30 there have been suggestions that the three-time Premier League champions need an injection of youth after seeing the league title slip out of their hands to Manchester United this season.

When asked if the Chelsea team was too old, Wilkins, who helped the Blues to a league and cup double in 2010, said: "No, not at all.

"I've been with them, I know their fitness levels and they are quite superb so there's really no problem as far as the age is concerned. It just needs a little tinkering here and there and they will be fine.

"They are a wonderfully gifted bunch of guys and they will be back. They will be pushing for it next year, they have a wonderful desire to win, as a unit they are different class. They just need that little additive [to the squad] and I'm sure they will be fine."

In the last transfer window Chelsea splashed out £50m on Fernando Torres but in 18 games the Spaniard managed just one goal, and Wilkins believes such a hefty price tag can weigh heavy on a player's shoulders, but backed the former Liverpool man to return to glory next season.

"I believe you will see him come to the fore next year, no question about it, he's a wonderfully gifted guy and there is no reason why he shouldn't flourish," said Wilkins.

"Lots of players would say it [a big price tag] wouldn't matter but I suppose at the back of your mind you are still worried about it. You'd want to produce and I think he feels disappointed that he hasn't been able to deliver the type of goals that Chelsea wanted but that will happen next year I'm sure."

Aston Villa v Chelsea

Chelsea's six first team players not available, can they keep hold of the top seat in the premier league table

Match Facts

1. Chelsea have fired in more shots on target (54) than any other team in the top flight.
2. Aston Villa have committed 118 fouls, more than any other team in the Premier League.
3. Didier Drogba has set up five goals, the join-most in the Premier League along with Nani.
4. Villa have dropped eight points this season from winning positions, the joint-most in the Premier League.
5. 78% of the goals Villa have scored have been netted in the first half, a higher percentage than any other team.
6. Aston Villa have lost only one of their last 12 Premier League matches at Villa Park
7. Aston Villa have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League home games against Chelsea
8. Chelsea haven’t lost back to back away Premier League games since 17 October 2009 when they went down 1-2 at Villa Park.
9. Frank Lampard has scored nine Premier League goals against Aston Villa, more than against any other team.
10. Only one team (Manchester City) has prevented Chelsea from scoring in their last 26 Premier League matches.

Aston Villa will be looking to maintain their excellent home form against Chelsea in Premier League action on Saturday.

The Midlands outfit claimed a 2-1 win over Carlo Ancelotti's side at Villa Park last term while the Blues have only one league success at Villa since the turn of the century.
Nicolas Anelka scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea claimed a 1-0 win at Villa in 2009, although that was their only league win from their last 11 trips.
Chelsea come into the contest on the back of a 2-0 success over rivals Arsenal while Villa suffered their first defeat under Gerard Houllier after losing 2-1 at Spurs.
Ancelotti's troops are four points clear at the summit of the league table and will need to win at Villa in order to maintain their advantage over the chasing pack, which is led by Manchester City.

Villa news

French boss Houllier will be without striker Gabriel Agbonlahor after he underwent a minor groin operation following their defeat at White Hart Lane.
Midfielder Fabian Delph (knee) is a long-term absentee, while a leg injury curtails Emile Heskey's availability so Norwegian hit-man John Carew is certain to start with wingers Stewart Downing and Marc Albrighton supplying the ammunition from out wide.
England international Ashley Young, who made his first competitive start for his country in Tuesday's goalless draw with Montenegro, could be given a free role behind Carew.
Villa will be without defender Curtis Davies as he has joined Championship outfit Leicester City on a month's loan.

Blues news

Chelsea have suffered a double blow ahead of the game with the news that Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard will miss out.
Drogba, who has been one of the club's star performers this term, is missing with a virus while Lampard is not yet fit after a groin strain.
However, Ancelotti is boosted by the availability of England defender John Terry who is fit despite missing out against Montenegro in midweek.
Jeffrey Bruma, who withdrew from midweek action with the Holland's Under-21s due to a tight hamstring, took part as anticipated in full training on Thursday.
However, Italian tactician Ancelotti is without the likes of Yossi Benayoun (Achilles), Alex and Salomon Kalou (both thigh) through injury.

Possible starting XIs:

Aston Villa: Friedel, L Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Downing, A Young, Carew.
Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Essien, Mikel, Ramires, Malouda, Kakuta, Anelka.

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Chelsea's six first team players not available, can they keep hold of the top seat in the premier league table

Match Facts

1. Chelsea have fired in more shots on target (54) than any other team in the top flight.
2. Aston Villa have committed 118 fouls, more than any other team in the Premier League.
3. Didier Drogba has set up five goals, the join-most in the Premier League along with Nani.
4. Villa have dropped eight points this season from winning positions, the joint-most in the Premier League.
5. 78% of the goals Villa have scored have been netted in the first half, a higher percentage than any other team.
6. Aston Villa have lost only one of their last 12 Premier League matches at Villa Park
7. Aston Villa have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League home games against Chelsea
8. Chelsea haven’t lost back to back away Premier League games since 17 October 2009 when they went down 1-2 at Villa Park.
9. Frank Lampard has scored nine Premier League goals against Aston Villa, more than against any other team.
10. Only one team (Manchester City) has prevented Chelsea from scoring in their last 26 Premier League matches.

Aston Villa will be looking to maintain their excellent home form against Chelsea in Premier League action on Saturday.

The Midlands outfit claimed a 2-1 win over Carlo Ancelotti's side at Villa Park last term while the Blues have only one league success at Villa since the turn of the century.
Nicolas Anelka scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea claimed a 1-0 win at Villa in 2009, although that was their only league win from their last 11 trips.
Chelsea come into the contest on the back of a 2-0 success over rivals Arsenal while Villa suffered their first defeat under Gerard Houllier after losing 2-1 at Spurs.
Ancelotti's troops are four points clear at the summit of the league table and will need to win at Villa in order to maintain their advantage over the chasing pack, which is led by Manchester City.

Villa news

French boss Houllier will be without striker Gabriel Agbonlahor after he underwent a minor groin operation following their defeat at White Hart Lane.
Midfielder Fabian Delph (knee) is a long-term absentee, while a leg injury curtails Emile Heskey's availability so Norwegian hit-man John Carew is certain to start with wingers Stewart Downing and Marc Albrighton supplying the ammunition from out wide.
England international Ashley Young, who made his first competitive start for his country in Tuesday's goalless draw with Montenegro, could be given a free role behind Carew.
Villa will be without defender Curtis Davies as he has joined Championship outfit Leicester City on a month's loan.

Blues news

Chelsea have suffered a double blow ahead of the game with the news that Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard will miss out.
Drogba, who has been one of the club's star performers this term, is missing with a virus while Lampard is not yet fit after a groin strain.
However, Ancelotti is boosted by the availability of England defender John Terry who is fit despite missing out against Montenegro in midweek.
Jeffrey Bruma, who withdrew from midweek action with the Holland's Under-21s due to a tight hamstring, took part as anticipated in full training on Thursday.
However, Italian tactician Ancelotti is without the likes of Yossi Benayoun (Achilles), Alex and Salomon Kalou (both thigh) through injury.

Possible starting XIs:

Aston Villa: Friedel, L Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Downing, A Young, Carew.
Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Essien, Mikel, Ramires, Malouda, Kakuta, Anelka.

Chelsea to prepare a €50 Million Bid for Palermo Star Javier Pastore

Chelsea are reportedly preparing a €50 million bid for Palermo superstar Javier Pastore.

Rosanero president Maurizio Zamparini placed an exorbitant figure on the 21-year-old's head, in hopes the big European clubs would allow the player to remain in Sicily.

But the Blues do not want to deprive themselves of the Argentine international any longer.

Zamparini aims to keep Pastore until at least the end of the season - if not longer - and hopes he staysl due to the strong ties he has with the city.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan and Manchester City are also interested in the player according to reports from across Europe.
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Chelsea are reportedly preparing a €50 million bid for Palermo superstar Javier Pastore.

Rosanero president Maurizio Zamparini placed an exorbitant figure on the 21-year-old's head, in hopes the big European clubs would allow the player to remain in Sicily.

But the Blues do not want to deprive themselves of the Argentine international any longer.

Zamparini aims to keep Pastore until at least the end of the season - if not longer - and hopes he staysl due to the strong ties he has with the city.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan and Manchester City are also interested in the player according to reports from across Europe.