08 February,2012 11:00 AM IST | | AFP
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich watched his expensively assembled side train Tuesday as he continued to keep an eye on the regime of manager Andre Villas-Boas.
The Russian billionaire made what is thought to be his first training-ground visit of the season on Saturday, spending more than half an hour watching the preparations for Sunday's 3-3 Premier League draw with Manchester United and 20 minutes speaking with Villas-Boas.
Chelsea have denied reports the duo were involved in 'showdown' talks, following a report Abramovich, who is estimated to have invested pounds 1 billion of his own fortune into the London club, had become frustrated with results that have left them 14 points behind leaders Manchester City.
Abramovich did though talk to Chelsea's players after watching them blow a 3-0 lead against United.
But Villas-Boas said: "Roman is always very interested in the running of events and it was good for the team to feel his presence."
"We touched a little bit, of course, on next year's project but mainly on that (United) game."
"Roman is a very educated person to the cause of Chelsea Football Club and his aura is always present."
