Andre Villas-Boas: Feels better prepared to take on the Premier League challenge at Tottenham

The Portuguese tactician was appointed at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2011 as the most highly-rated young coach in Europe - having shone at Porto.

He was, however, to last just nine months before being shown the door by an unforgiving Roman Abramovich.

Villas-Boas wasted little time in returning to the Premier League when invited back by Spurs, and he feels he is better prepared to face the challenges of life in England second time around.

He told France Football: "What we are doing at Tottenham with my staff is a reaction to Chelsea, an echo to the mistakes we made.

"Not everything we did there was wrong, but we could have done better. It has not affected the way I am viewing football, but I admit I thought a lot about it.

"I should have been given an opportunity to go on, but I am aware that, considering the results, change is the only way to make an impact.

"I would never have gone to Chelsea if I was not absolutely convinced that I could have been a success there."

Qualities

Meanwhile, Villas-Boas has taken the opportunity to explain his handling of French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, an international performer and captain of his country who has had to be patient in his efforts to earn a starting berth.

He added: "The arrival of Hugo Lloris was a difficult situation. We didn't want to be unfair. The ones who play have to deserve it with their performances.

"When Hugo arrived, he did so with an eye on the future. His qualities were never questioned, but Brad (Friedel) was doing very well at that time.

"It didn't mean that I doubted Hugo, I just wanted him to stand out on merit, not on reputation.

"It was difficult for Hugo. He is a famous and well respected player. He is the best of the French keepers. It was difficult for him to accept and I admit that it may have made him impatient at times."