Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas says he has backing of Abramovich

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas insists owner Roman Abramovich has faith in his long-term plans despite a third defeat in four league games.

Earlier on Sunday, Chelsea said newspaper claims of fractures in their relationship were "total nonsense".

And after the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool, Villas-Boas said he was confident he retained the owner's full support.

"He didn't pay 15m euros (£13.2m) to get me out of Porto and another fortune to get me out of Chelsea," he said.

"It is not a question of the owner having patience. I have said we have set out to build something new at this club and the club is committed to what we are building for the future."

The loss at home to Liverpool leaves Chelsea 12 points behind leaders Manchester City and Villas-Boas admits they now face a huge task to revive their title hopes.

"Our commitment is to the club and to what we are doing in the future and we have enough talent to compete in all competitions. This our perspective at the moment," he added.

And a defiant Villas-Boas declared he is happy to try to match the ambitions of Abramovich, demands which meant Carlo Ancelotti was sacked only 12 months after winning the Premier League and FA Cup double.

"There is no running away from our responsibilities," said Villas-Boas. "There is no calling this a year of transition, no calling for time to do our work.

"Our responsibility is to win the most amount of trophies we can and at the moment we are in four competitions.

"It is not the brightest of starts in the Premier League for Chelsea in the last 10 years, but the belief is there from the team and that is what we have to focus on."

The Sunday Express had claimed Abramovich was not 'overly impressed' with Chelsea's start to the season, and identified the 5-3 home loss to Arsenal as a particular cause for concern.

Former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, who has left his post as Turkey coach, has been tipped to replace Villas-Boas.

The Dutchman, 65, has done little to play down the speculation by admitting he enjoys a close friendship with Abramovich.

He told English language Russian television station RT: "The relationship [with Abramovich] was, has been and will be very good.

"When I go to London, I am always welcome at Cobham (Chelsea's training ground) and the stadium.

"We don't speak every week but every now and then there is contact and I feel very welcome always."

He added: "I will take some time off and see what the future brings."