Ray Wilkins says Chelsea must give manager Andre Villas-Boas more time.

Wilkins, Chelsea's former assistant boss and playing legend, admitted he was disappointed with the way Chelsea's season had crumbled.

"Before the Arsenal defeat at the end of October, I thought the season was going relatively well for Chelsea," he told the Daily Express.

Wilkins says the tactics of Villas-Boas have created problems.

"There have been a few players brought in, and the system has changed a lot," he said. "AVB wants his players to press higher up the pitch, and that can leave space in behind. They are finding it difficult to keep clean sheets.

"Chelsea have a very high quality of player at the club, and once they kick in I see no reason why they will not put in a very good showing."

As for suggestions that the new boss is already struggling to keep a grip on his job, Wilkins says it is time for resolve and patience.

"It is difficult to say whether there has been progress under Villas-Boas, because these have been tough times," he said. "It's a transitional period, and Villas-Boas will have his own ideas about where he wants the club to go, and regarding specific personnel, so Chelsea must give him time."