Ramires - I grew under AVB

Ramires - I grew under AVB

Ramires: Chelsea midfielder believes he improved as a player under Andre Villas-Boas

Ramires admits he is unsure why Andre Villas-Boas failed to enjoy success at Stamford Bridge, but credits the former Chelsea manager for helping him to improve as a player.

Villas-Boas replaced Carlo Ancelotti as Chelsea boss last summer, but was sacked at the start of last month following a disappointing run of results.

Roberto Di Matteo was promoted to the role of interim manager for the rest of the season and the Italian has helped to restore confidence within the squad.

He is also hoping to lead the Blues into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, with his side holding a 1-0 advantage over Benfica ahead of Wednesday's home leg.

"His relationship with the players was good. Of course, there is discontent when you don't play but I never saw these things ending in fights as some people claimed."
RamiresQuotes of the week

Brazilian midfielder Ramires confirmed that Di Matteo has helped to lift morale, but he is adamant there were no major issues within the dressing room during Villas-Boas' time in charge.

Freedom

"It's hard to say why it didn't work out for Andre but we have all taken strength from the change of coach," said Ramires, who signed a new long-term contract last month. "When results aren't good, it's always down to the manager.

"But with Robbie in charge we have found more respect in ourselves.

"Robbie has brought in some new ideas and instilled great confidence in us. And we soon began to realise that we are still a great team with great players.

"We have built from our v ictory in Robbie's very first game in charge and we have gone from strength to strength since then.

"I wasn't expecting Andre to leave.

"I was very happy when he arrived because I grew as a player when he was the boss. He gave me more freedom.

"His relationship with the players was good. Of course, there is discontent when you don't play but I never saw these things ending in fights as some people claimed."