London: Andre Villas-Boas has defended his position as Chelsea manager, stating that he has the backing of the club despite the team's struggles this season, which has seen them fall to fifth in the Premier League.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been ruthless in the past and brought in Villas-Boas to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who was fired in the off-season only a year after leading the club to their first Premier League and FA Cup double.
Since Jose Mourinho left in 2007, Abramovich has employed five managers but Villas-Boas claims he doesn't fear for the axe.
"From messages you have received recently from the club, it is clear there is a change on the way," Villas-Boas said. "There is a great belief in what we are working towards for next year, although that doesn't change the responsibility we have this year."
"It's normal, looking at the results that we've had and the way things were done in the past, that there is this speculation. There is full belief from the owner in what we're doing."
"I'm really confident about next year. We have a three-year project to change the culture and structure. There is a lot we plan to do. We're still confident we can do well in the Champions League and FA Cup."
Villas-Boas claimed he would not have left Porto if he was not confident he could succeed at Stamford Bridge.
The Portuguese manager arrived in London last summer, having spent only one season at Porto - during which he won the Portuguese league title, domestic cup, Europa League and went an entire season unbeaten at Estadio Dragao.
However, the 34-year-old manager still has great belief in his ability to change the structure of Chelsea, something which he believes is a necessity, and to bring more trophies to Stamford Bridge in the future.
"This is the richest part of Chelsea's history and we want to perpetuate that into the future - but we have to make changes" he said. "I wouldn't have moved if I didn't feel confident I could take this challenge through."
Walter Mazzarri's dangerous Napoli side are up next for Chelsea, in their Champions League last-16 first leg match. Villas-Boas is confident that whatever happens on Tuesday, Chelsea will emerge triumphant after the return leg in two weeks.
"It's a first leg, so tomorrow will not be decisive yet," he said. "Stamford Bridge is a great stadium for Euro nights and that's why we really wanted to win the group, so we could have the opportunity to turn things around or continue on positive route."
Nonetheless, he is more than aware of the threat that playing at San Paolo - where Manchester City succumbed to a 2-1 defeat earlier this season - holds for his side.
"Napoli's strengths at the San Paolo are amazing. They have built up a lot under Mazzarri. The way Napoli represent their crowd, there is a mood between the fans, the team and the city. Mazzarri has done an excellent job."
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