Villas-Boas 'didn't have the time' to prove himself at Chelsea

The flamboyant defender established himself as an important figure in Villas-Boas’ plans and got on well with the former Porto boss while he was still in charge at Stamford Bridge. The 34-year-old boss has his contract terminated by owner Roman Abramovich in March after less than nine months in charge, and Luiz admits he was upset to see the manager go so soon. "I'm really sad, as Andre was a really capable professional,” he told the Sun. “Unfortunately, he didn't have the time to show his true value at Chelsea. "He didn't have the chance. You cannot doubt a professional like him, who won five titles last season and was feted by everyone. But he didn't have enough time at Chelsea." Chelsea produced a stunning comeback against Napoli on Wednesday to go through to the Champions League quarter-finals under the control of interim boss Roberto Di Matteo, winning 4-1, with three of the goals coming from the ‘old guard’ of Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard. Villas-Boas’ reign was marred by rumours of a rift with the senior players in Chelsea’s squad, but Luiz was keen to set the record straight when speaking to Brazilian TV ahead of Wednesday’s superb win. "We are a united team but, unfortunately, we couldn't get the results that Andre deserved,” the Brazil international said. "There were no problems between Villas-Boas and Drogba, Lampard and Essien.