Posted on Wednesday, 22nd February 2012 by David Schiavone

boss is hopeful his side can make it through to the next round of the despite their 3-1 defeat to in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Two goals from sandwiched an strike which cancelled out the opener from Juan Mata.

“After the first goal I think we had a big chance to go 2-0 up, big missed opportunities,” Villas-Boas told Sky Sports after the game.

“Then we should have done better defending – [we made] a couple of mistakes which, against Napoli, with their attacking strength, are going to get punished. I think that the third goal was perfectly avoidable.

“If it had been a one-goal advantage [for Napoli] at home, it would have been better, but the third one is more difficult to recover – not impossible, of course, because of the amount of chances that we get and the environment that we must get at the Bridge to turn this tie around.

“The first 90 minutes have passed but we have 90 minutes ahead of us and we have to turn the tie around, analyse strongly where we went wrong, and have the knowledge that we can create problems because, with our attacking options, we created problems today.

“I think the statistics are very similar – both teams created a lot in a game that was open.

“It’s sad that in our best period Napoli scored the third one and it brings us a little bit down.

“We had chances, mainly in the end with Didier [Drogba] but, again, [we have] 90 minutes ahead of us and there’s a big possibility, with this away goal, to turn the tie around with a 2-0 [home win].”

The Chelsea boss courted controversy for his decision to leave Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Ashley Cole on the bench.

“I can go on and explain but it makes no difference for you guys [the media], you have to analyse it as well and take your opinion,” the 34-year-old continued.

“It was based on what was fair for the team at that moment and it was the best team.

“Yeah, for sure,” he added when asked if he would be in charge for the second leg.

“I don’t think it makes a difference [if the board back me publicly]. You have to put things into perspective.

“I have the full confidence of the owner with the message that I have from him all the time to do my job.”

Chelsea will look to make amends in the second leg at Stamford Bridge on March 14.

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David SchiavoneAuthor David Schiavone  (1309 Posts)

Editor of Forza Italian Football and whilst also working for a number of other outlets including SerieAWeekly.com, Soccerlens and Goal.com. Based near Genoa in Italy, I cover Serie A matches live and uninterrupted, whilst also presenting the Italian Football FanCast. I have the pleasure of the Stadio Luigi Ferraris most weekends, if I can tear myself away from Diretta Calcio that is. If you want to get in touch email me – ForzaItalianFootball@snack-media.com


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