Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas admits he can't be "dictatorial" with his players due to his background. Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard are both only slightly younger than Villas-Boas and it has been suggested the Portuguese may not command the full respect of Chelsea's dressing room.

"Because of my age and my lack of a professional playing background, I could never be dictatorial," Villas-Boas told The Technician, UEFA's official publication for coaches.

"I therefore let the players have a certain amount of input into decisions regarding the way we play and how the team is run.

"Also, when we talk about the well-being of a group, I encourage the players to participate in the decisions affecting their professional life.

"For example, at Porto I would discuss with the players the starting time of the training or the need for rest days.

"I try to be an open-minded leader and to respect people.

"You must build a two-way relationship, even over any decision-making about arrangements or actions in the game.

"Naturally, as the coach I make the final decisions, though, and if I have to upset a couple of people, then so be it."