The veteran manager believes the new Blues will be aided by the experienced players at Stamford Bridge, and expects them to challenge his side next season.
By Kieran Crowley
Jul 18, 2011 4:25:00 PM
"It is a big step for Chelsea and an enormous challenge," Ferguson told reporters.
Villas-Boas replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the Stamford Bridge helm despite the Italian leading the Blues to second in the league last season and previously, the FA Cup and Premier League double - the first time Chelsea achieved the feat.
The 33-year-old Portuguese manager worked under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, and his management style has drawn a lot of resemblances to the 'Special Ones' style.
Nonetheless, Villas-Boas only has two seasons of experience in top-flight football but won the treble at Porto last season, including the Europa League triumph over Braga.
At the same age, Ferguson was managing lowly Scottish team East Sterling where he could barely afford to employ any staff.
"I was 32 when I started but I was managing a wee second division team in Scotland," Ferguson said. "All I had was a physio. I had no assistant manager or anything like that. He has the advantage, irrespective of his age, of having the staff he wants to have."
But Ferguson believes the Stamford Bridge outfit will provide stiff opposition to his side next season, as its new manager has an abundance of quality players at his disposal, something which the Scot believes will only help the former Porto boss.
"He has a very experienced bunch of players there," Sir Alex said. "For a young manager having to go to a club of that size, experienced players are a help to him.
"We expect Chelsea to be challenging again."
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