Source: Team_Talk
Premier priority for Villas-Boas
Andre Villas-Boas has insisted reclaiming the Premier League should be Chelsea's priority this season - not winning the Champions League.[LNB] Villas-Boas this summer became the latest manager charged by Blues owner Roman Abramovich with delivering club football's biggest prize.[LNB]But while the Champions League remains the Holy Grail for billionaire Russian Abramovich, Villas-Boas believes it needs to take a back seat - for now.[LNB]"The domestic title is always the priority," he said, describing the Champions League as much more of a lottery.[LNB]"We're there threatening to challenge. We're not that far away, but it depends so much on the draw, in the group phase and the knockout phases.[LNB]"There has been a pattern in the last four years, I know, but that luck is needed still in the Champions League.[LNB]"We can raise our level again, though, to be ready to compete in that competition and to get to that final."[LNB]If Abramovich's previous behaviour is anything to go by, Villas-Boas' job will ultimately depend upon him delivering the European Cup within his three-year contract.[LNB]"In the end, you have to respond to owners' and clubs' expectations," the young coach added.[LNB]"I have my own sense of winning the most amount of titles as possible. That's the target for me.[LNB]"My players have that kind of ambition, too."[LNB]Domestic cup success has been enough to appease Abramovich in the past but it would not be sufficient for Villas-Boas, who said: "I wouldn't be satisfied if we don't win the Premier League.[LNB]He added, jokingly: "If I win all four trophies, I'll retire!"[LNB]Chelsea lost their air of invincibility last season and getting it back could be crucial to them reclaiming the title from Manchester United.[LNB]"It happens with any top team that constantly wins. It's something you can build," said Villas-Boas, whose Porto side won the league without losing a game last season.[LNB]"We can't think that people won't raise their level to play teams like that.[LNB]"I had that good unbeaten run last season, but the phrases coming from the other managers was always the same: 'Let's be the first to beat them'."[LNB]Sunday sees Villas-Boas take charge of his first competitive game when Chelsea travel to Stoke.[LNB]His team selection is eagerly anticipated, as are the tactics he will employ.[LNB]One difference is expected to involve Chelsea winning the ball higher up the pitch.[LNB]"It's about getting the team, the line all pressurising together," said Villas-Boas, who admitted the high-energy approach could have consequences later in the season.[LNB]"It can be a challenge because of the intensity of the Premier League and the British game.[LNB]"Hopefully, you can face a balance in terms of pressing high, recovering your strength and going again in the next 'action'.[LNB]"Bearing in mind our squad, the players offer this kind of flexibility for us. They can do both things.[LNB]"Whether they can do it all season, that's a question we'll have to face on a weekly basis."
