Man United defeat is no laughing matter, says André Villas-Boas
"There is nothing to joke about when you lose at Old Trafford," says Chelsea manager after 3-1 defeat
André Villas-Boas has insisted that no jokes were made amongst the Chelsea players about Fernando Torres’ miss in the 3-1 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday.
The Spain striker scored his first goal since April with a sublime finish in the second-half at Old Trafford but then wasted a glorious opportunity to haul his side back into the game after rounding United goalkeeper David De Gea.
And when asked if any of the Chelsea squad had poked fun at Torres over the miss since Sunday, Villas-Boas replied sternly: “We don’t joke with negative results against a Premier League contender.
“There’s nothing to joke about when you lose at Old Trafford. You just have to get on with it and try to get closer to them as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Villas-Boas also revealed that he has been told by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic to give some of the club’s younger talent an opportunity to impress in Wednesday’s Carling Cup clash with Fulham.
Josh McEachran, Romelu Lukaku, Oriol Romeu and Ryan Bertrand are all expected start at Stamford Bridge alongside striker Didier Drogba, who has been declared fit again after suffering concussion during the win over Norwich City.
But despite planning to field a younger team on Wednesday, Villas-Boas dismissed suggestions that the League Cup is not an important trophy.
“There is a responsibility for us to try and win the trophy,” he said. “You have to enter every game to win because of the dimension of the club where you are and because of the amount of talent at your disposal.
“You are expected to win the game and the competition. I think there is prestige [in winning the Carling Cup].”
