France legend Patrick Vieira wants critics of Strasbourg to stop worrying about links to Chelsea.

The Ligue 1 team have been furious at the dealings of co-owner Todd Boehly, who also owns the Stamford Bridge club.

Boehly and his team bought Strasbourg for the express purpose of using them as a feeder club for Chelsea.

“Perhaps people outside don't see the progression as quickly as they would like, but we can't be blinded by the fact that we're linked to Chelsea," Strasbourg coach Vieira told French outlet L'Equipe.

“You have to look at things globally with last season and next season as well," Vieira noted.

“My team has lost players and some other key players were present in pre-season before ultimately leaving, when we had to hope of keeping them.

“You need to give the recruits the time to flourish. I knew that when I came here.

“We are starting a new cycle and we are all in harmony about where we are today and where we want to go tomorrow. But I know that the most important thing in this business is results."