The Tottenham boss has stoked the fires
ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge for Wednesday's crucial clash in
the race for Champions League qualification
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes Chelsea’s lack of definitive playing style could see them become “invisible in football”.The former Blues boss returns to Stamford Bridge with his Spurs side on Wednesday night, with both clubs desperate for a good result in their push for a Champions League spot.
Owner Roman Abramovich sacked the 35-year-old in March last year after just nine months in charge and, although the Portuguese admits they have enjoyed success since his departure, he believes Chelsea could suffer in the long term without a set style.
“In the end, it’s brought them success and sometimes success is what matters in football – independent of the style,” Villas-Boas told the Independent.
“I have a different opinion [to them]. I think if you don’t have a style, it makes you invisible in football. Only teams with style succeed. But in the end, success normally is what matters in modern Europe.”
Villas-Boas had been part of the Chelsea setup long before his time in the top job at Stamford Bridge, as he spent much of the Jose Mourinho era working as opposition scout.
The Spurs boss believed their way of playing made them one of the best sides in the country, and insists the current crop of players has the potential to reach such levels of greatness once again.
“[They were] an absolutely deadly machine of football [under Mourinho] – but in a different way. Great, great counter-attacking football,” he added
“And one of the great teams in the country. There are various types of teams; teams built along great creative players and this Chelsea team has the ingredients to be able to play this type of football.”
