Mata’s words and deeds make all the difference to AVB

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS needs all the friends he can get right now and while kind words can always be expected after a comfortable win, Juan Mata’s expression of support for his manager was welcome no matter what the context.

Five months into the job and Villas-Boas is already being reminded of Roman Abramovich’s notorious impatience and with the club once again suffering a disconcerting autumn slump, the Portuguese’s prospects could hardly be described as rosy.

The manager’s recent claim that the €15 million Chelsea paid out in compensation to FC Porto provides him with some kind of insurance policy convinced few.