Spirit at Tottenham outshines Chelsea, says former Blues boss Villas-Boas

Andre Villas-Boas has taken a veiled swipe at his former Chelsea players as he insisted the team spirit at his new club Tottenham is incomparable.

 The Portuguese head coach cut a relaxed figure on Friday night here in Baltimore, ahead of Tottenham's friendly against Liverpool here, significantly more at ease than during his final days at Stamford Bridge.

 Villas-Boas' spell in charge at Chelsea was peppered with clashes with senior players and claims that he had lost the dressing room, so it was significant to hear his pointed views when he was asked about how he had been received by Tottenham's players.

 'It is a question you need to ask the players,' said Villas-Boas, who added there was 'nothing new' to say about Luka Modric's position.

 'But from my perspective I have been adapting to them. They are enjoying what they are doing.

 'You will get a more specific answer from the players, of course. I think the warmth of the group is excellent to see.

 It is two different groups reacting differently. We have seen the spirit of this group and it is different from what I had last year.'

 After playing Liverpool here, Tottenham head up to New York where they will face the New York Red Bulls and Villas-Boas is hoping that Rafael van der Vaart, who hobbled off with a groin problem in the 1-1 draw with LA Galaxy.

 Gareth Bale scored Tottenham's goal in LA but his presence in that match, 24 hours before Team GB began their Olympic campaign, caused a furore, prompting FIFA president Sepp Blatter to wade into the row.

Posted in: Andre Villas-Boas,football,latest sport news,Tottenham