Battle of the Bridge was not war – Cech

PETR CECH has played down suggestions that Chelsea’s players openly criticised manager Andre Villas-boas in front of Roman Abramovich earlier this month.

Reports had claimed senior players questioned the Blues manager’s team selection and tactics in a squad meeting that owner Abramovich also attended following the club’s 2-0 defeat at Everton.

Further rumours of unrest within the Chelsea camp have emerged since – piling more pressure on the under-fire manager, who admitted for the first time this week that he fears for his future.

Cech moved to quash reports of disharmony at Stamford Bridge, however, telling Czech website isport.blesk.cz: “Everyone has been talking about a meeting between the team and Abramovich.

Pressure

“The truth is elsewhere and the picture of that meeting was distorted.”

Speculation over AVB’S future has been rife in recent weeks thanks to his team’s poor form.

The Londoners have won twice in their last eight matches, although their latest win – a 3-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday – moved them to within seven points of third-place Tottenham.

Cech added; “The club is under constant pressure in the media – that’s a problem. There is a lot of speculation and nonsense, but we have to live with it.”

Chelsea have a good chance to keep up the pressure on Spurs and fourth-placed Arsenal with games against West Brom and Stoke.

And Cech insists that there is now a positive atmosphere back at the west London club.

“The mood always derives from results so the mood is better,” Cech said. “Tottenham lost at the weekend. We can get closer and play for third place.

“We still have a chance to finish third but our aim is to finish fourth as the worst case scenario.

“I still believe things will turn for the better and our season will be successful.”