Roberto Di Matteo has refuted allegations that he stabbed Andre Villas-Boas in the back by replacing him as Chelsea boss.

The former Blues midfielder was handed the first-team reins when Roman Abramovich sacked Villas-Boas at the start of the month.

Di Matteo had operated as the Portuguese's number two during his brief spell at Stamford Bridge.

"I did not conspire against him and all the decisions we took, we took together," said the Italian. "I have always behaved with the utmost professionalism and loyalty towards the club, the staff, the team and fans.

"All new managers inevitably replace a colleague when things go wrong or results are not up to expectations. This is the nature of football. I did my best and Andre knows it.

"[Andre] is a great manager and a great person, and I will always respect him a lot, but I did not hesitate when I was offered this chance. I deserve my new role."

Chelsea have won four out of four since Di Matteo took over as manager.