Andre Villas-Boas has rejected suggestions his position as Chelsea manager is under threat and insisted he has the full backing of owner Roman Abramovich despite Sunday’s 2-1 defeat by Liverpool.

The loss was Chelsea’s second in as many Premier League matches at their Stamford Bridge home.

It left the London club fourth in the table, 12 points behind leaders Manchester City, and already facing a daunting challenge if they are to force their way back into the title race.

Chelsea’s disappointing start to the campaign has prompted reports Abramovich is starting to question his decision to appoint the 33-year-old Villas-Boas as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor before the start of the season.

But Villas-Boas was adamant the Russian billionaire is fully committed to the manager’s long-term plans for the club.

“I think it’s not a question of the owner having patience,” said Villas-Boas.

“We have set out to build something new at this club and the club is committed to taking what we’re building to the future.

“The owner didn’t pay €15 million to get me out of Porto to pay me another fortune to get out.

“Our commitment is towards the club and what we are doing in the future,” he added. “We have enough talent to compete in all competitions, and that’s the perspective we take at the moment.”

But despite acknowledging he is building for the future, the Portuguese refused to label the current campaign as a season of transition and was determined to maintain a challenge on all fronts.

“With the dimension of our club, you cannot forget that your fans expect you to win titles,” he said. “We have to respond to the confidence of the fans. There’s no running away from responsibilities.”