Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas took aim at Manchester United legend Gary Neville after their Champions League win over Valencia. The Portuguese manager believes the column inches dedicated to Chelsea is part of a wider "persecution" and called it "out of this world".

Asked whether he detected anger among players, Villas-Boas retorted: "No, I just think the reaction has been over the top.

"There's only one team in the country at the moment, and that's Man City.

"I hope they qualify sincerely, but the approach to them is if they qualify they qualify, and if they don't they don't.

"We don't get that margin from you guys. That's not the same as with us. I will never criticise your editorial choices, but it is the reality.

"People take perspectives that are out of this world, from criticising our players to criticising choices.

"We see a Manchester United defender (Gary Neville) today say in the preparations for the game and says things like 'I don't want to be one of the Chelsea players today', 'I couldn't play this game' and 'It is a difficult game for them'.

"This is out of this world for me, I don't believe this.

"It continues the persecution of Chelsea, continues aggression to one club.

"We have become your target, we have to accept it. Tomorrow, it's unfortunate for you guys because you'll have to report on a brilliant win for Chelsea and finishing first.

"Tomorrow is difficult for you guys. I'll never pick a fight with you guys."