Villa-Boas hopes knockout games will reignite Chelsea’s season

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas intends to use the FA Cup and Champions League to restore his team’s confidence.

The Blues’ poor form continued as they slipped out of the Barclays Premier League top four after a 2-0 defeat at Everton on Saturday.

Chelsea have collected just three points from their last four league games, a run that has increased speculation over Villas-Boas’ future at Stamford Bridge and the Portuguese is hoping a switch of focus can revive spirits.

The Londoners host Birmingham in the FA Cup fifth round next week before travelling to Napoli in Europe’s elite competition.

Villas-Boas said: “There are two different competitions now ahead of us and two competitions where we want to show a different quality.

“We have one week to prepare for Birmingham and then Napoli.

“They are two competitions where we are in a very good position and we have to rebuild confidence.”

Chelsea were unable to settle at Goodison Park but Villas-Boas refused to pin the blame for the defeat on his players.

He said: “I will reflect hard on my preparation and I will take full responsibility for the defeat.

“I think the players did everything they could. I will reflect hard with my technical staff on my decision-making.”