AVB bites back at Neville rant

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS’S war of words with Gary Neville has escalated as the Chelsea boss let rip at the former Manchester United captain’s criticism of his side.

Neville has been outspoken in his assessment of the Blues’ deficiencies in recent weeks and Villas-Boas hit out at the ex-defender for a second time after Tuesday night’s Champions League win over Valencia. But that was nothing compared to the furious tirade unleashed by the Chelsea manager this afternoon when Neville’s name was brought up again.

Villas-Boas struggled to mask his contempt for comments made by Neville.

Neville had suggested he would not want to be in the Chelsea dressing room and Villas-Boas blasted: “What does he know about the Chelsea dressing room? What does Gary Neville know about our dressing room? Have you been here? Do you know where Cobham is? You don’t even know how to get here!

“You can’t speculate and invent on things that are going on, based on assumptions or informants or speculation. Some people can have more or less an idea. But not him. He cannot know.”

Chelsea’s home defeat to Liverpool almost three weeks ago saw Neville claim defender David Luiz played like he was being controlled by a 10-year-old using a PlayStation.

Villas-Boas said: “You cannot approach a top Brazil central defender saying he’s commanded by a kid with a PlayStation. It’s ridiculous.

“He plays for the team with most (world) titles, so be careful with what you’re saying.”

Villas-Boas added it did not bother him if he was disliked, even by his own players. In truth, it matters little whether Villas-Boas is liked as long as Chelsea keep winning, and he has the ideal opportunity to convert his doubters on Monday when City visit Stamford Bridge.

City are 10 points clear of Chelsea. Villas-Boas insisted recovering from that deficit is “not impossible” but conceded: “There’s no quitting but 13 points would be a massive gap again.”

Having already been to Old Trafford, Anfield and White Hart Lane, Monday’s game is one of the last of City’s tough away trips this term and it will be fascinating to see how Villas-Boas sets out his team after sacrificing his cavalier ideals on Tuesday night.

“We’ve seen teams try different things against City, and no one has beaten them,” he said. “We have to think.”

Villas-Boas admitted Didier Drogba is proving he can be a major asset for Chelsea. Ivory Coast star Drogba is reportedly holding out for a two-year deal as his contract expires at the end of the season, with the Blues currently offering only a one-year deal. Villas-Boas said: “His performance has been outstanding, helping the club and team-mates. It’s an ongoing talk with him and his people. He’s going to the African Nations Cup and won’t be back until February 12, so there’s a lot to decide.”