Former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly is backing manager Andre Villas-Boas to overhaul the Blues squad. AVB as endured a difficult time both on and off the field with Chelsea's title hopes all but over before the New Year after five defeats and intense speculation he has upset senior stars.

But Desailly told the London Evening Standard: "Roman Abramovich was very strong to put aside Carlo Ancelotti, who is a very good coach, last summer and bring someone very clever in.

"We thought Villas-Boas was going to be a magician but he's a technician who needs a bit of time to bring the club to a different identity, another level tactically and technically.

"Also to make some of the players accept that they are still the most important in the team but at the same time accept the new rules. You have to break some attitudes and habits that have been done before to set up your own vision.

"I like the way he's coming across, admitting mistakes but saying Chelsea are still going to work hard. That he is here for the long term and not for short-term work and that he should be judged at the end. What is important for Chelsea is to copy what's happening at Manchester United. When they are in trouble, the club is so strong. Controversy is all around but inside everyone is calm and giving time.

"This is what Villas-Boas is trying to set up and he likes to take the pressure on himself, bring peace after defeats and take on the trouble he is going to face."