• Premier League

Villas-Boas reveals Robson inspiration

ESPN staff
June 25, 2011
Andre Villas-Boas has praised the influence Bobby Robson had on his career © PA Photos
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New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas says former England manager Sir Bobby Robson has been one of the most important figures in his career.

Villas-Boas received advice and guidance from Robson at Porto early on as the pair developed a strong relationship, and the 33-year-old has not forgotten the contribution the late Robson had on his formative years as a manager.

"Bobby was a very important person in my career," Villas-Boas told Sky Sports. "He was the person who advised me at a very young age to go on coaching courses and unlocked the doors of Porto for me to have access to his training sessions.

"We had a very good relationship and he was someone I respected a lot and was respected in world football. What he did he did not only with me and Jose [Mourinho] but with all different kinds of people, promoting them and inspiring them to take their own role and their own way.

"He is somebody who means a lot to the English game and I think he would be happy of course, to see me here at Chelsea now."

Villas-Boas also acknowledged the work of his predecessor at Stamford Bridge, Carlo Ancelotti, as the Portuguese manager begins to settle in his new role.

"You can't avoid the things Carlo has left for this club, important things," he said. "We want to continue building from where he left. Most of the people who are here are people I know, which is a big advantage.

"The players I know, the relationship I had with them. The relationship also of pride for what they have done and for what I've achieved with my technical staff and players, this is all coming together for the motivation we need for next season to win again.

"But there is no running away from the culture of English football. You have to respect it and you have to respect this game generates a lot of passion and a game that runs at extreme speeds. It is different from La Liga and the Portuguese league, where you tend to look at things more calmly.

"We just want to introduce our philosophy and mould it into what is the culture of English players," he concluded.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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