Chelsea's Villas-Boas not worried about John Terry's state of mind
- Published
We haven't lost focus - Villas-Boas
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas says he is not worried about captain John Terry's "state of mind" ahead of Saturday's clash against Arsenal.
He also reiterated that Terry's alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand during QPR's 1-0 win over rivals Chelsea last Sunday, external was a "big misunderstanding".
Terry has denied any wrongdoing but the Football Association is investigating.
"I have no concerns about his state of mind and I would say it's a big misunderstanding," said Villas-Boas.
Terry is back in the Chelsea squad, external having been omitted for his side's 2-1 extra-time Carling Cup win over Everton, external in midweek.
"I don't think it [the Ferdinand-Terry investigation] has been a distraction for us," added Villas-Boas.
"For us, it was important to go back to winning ways in the Carling Cup. Now it is important for us to go back to winning ways in the Premier League after the defeat at QPR.
"We haven't lost too much focus on the situation because there's nothing to lose focus on."
The Portuguese manager believes that progress is being made in eradicating racism from football.
"I think we have carried out the correct measures to try to remove it over the years," added Villas-Boas.
"I think the governing bodies should continue to be aggressive in banning it. I think the correct progress is being made but is still to be made in some aspects. We hope we can evolve from that.
"But this incident shouldn't reflect or doesn't reflect that kind of situation."
As well as the FA investigation, the Metropolitan Police has announced it is assessing evidence from the incident after receiving a complaint.
Earlier, Ferdinand thanked fellow players for their helping him cope with the situation.
"I'd like to thank players like Jason Roberts [of Blackburn] for the support they have given me," Ferdinand told the Telegraph, external.
"Not just professionals at other clubs but my team-mates at QPR. They've been fantastic for me.
"Having team-mates around you, like I have, is nice to feel and nice to see."