Blue's stars did not stab AVB's back

Chelsea players did NOT stab Andre Villas-Boas in the back, insists Blues legend Ray Wilkins.

Villas-Boas was yesterday axed as boss — with rumours a dressing-room revolt helped see the rookie off.

The Portuguese had a rocky relationship with big names at the club and had rowed with Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.

But Wilkins, who was No2 at Stamford Bridge to Carlo Ancelotti, said: "I found the players an absolute delight to work with.

"They are a very nice bunch of guys, they are a hard-working bunch and, coupled with that, they are an extremely talented bunch. We didn't have a problem.

"I don't think the players swayed the owner. It appears they are looking for change at Chelsea and I just feel they went about it too quickly with AVB.

"To change what has been such a force — not only in the Premier League but in European football — overnight, you just can't do that.

"It takes a gradual adjustment. Chelsea have gone hammer and tongs at it and they should have taken their time in switching over."

Jose Mourinho is being linked with a sensational summer return to the club as he heads for the Real Madrid exit.

And Wilkins reckons the Special One is the only man for the job.

He added: "I would say Mourinho because I think Mourinho will leave Real Madrid.

"I think he will win La Liga comfortably and he will think his job's done there. He's still in the Champions League, he's got a chance of winning that.

"He's got a wonderful squad of players there but I think he will leave. He, for me, would be the perfect option."

Roberto Di Matteo is in temporary charge at Stamford Bridge. And former Chelsea star Eddie Newton has joined his coaching staff until the end of the season.

- www.thesun.co.uk

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Benitez ready to lead Chelsea

Rafa Benitez has invited Chelsea to make him an offer he cannot refuse.

The former Liverpool boss is one of the favourites to replace sacked Andre Villas-Boas.

Spaniard Benitez is yet to hear from billionaire Blues owner Roman Abramovich — but is ready to talk.

He said: "As a manager with Champions League experience and experience in Spain and Italy, I am open to offers.

"How many managers have won trophies in three different countries, the Spanish title or the FIFA Club World Cup? I am a manager now waiting for a job, I can't stop speculation. I can't stop people talking.

"I have just to wait and see if something happens in the future.

"I'd like to challenge for trophies and have this option. I am open to these kinds of projects and have to analyse every offer."

Villas-Boas was booted out on Sunday, just 257 days after taking the job at Stamford Bridge.

And former Blues boss Felipe Scolari — sacked amid reports of a player revolt three years ago — called the job 'hell'.

Scolari said: "Chelsea's culture is very different.

"Some things are known, like the relations with the owner, who has the relationship with some players before the coach."

Benitez, 51, who still lives in England, shrugged off the turnover of seven managers in eight years.

He pointed to his record of winning the Champions League with Liverpool, the World Club Cup with Inter and La Liga with Valencia.

He said: "At top sides, the manager is always under pressure. I have experience in Spain and Italy — so I know." - www.thesun.co.uk

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