Andre Villas-Boas remains relaxed about the recent close scrutiny of owner Roman Abramovich at Chelsea's training ground as the Blues boss focuses on making sure his side finish in the top four of the Barclays Premier League - which he accepts is "not a very honourable position for the dimension of this club".
Chelsea's billionaire Russian owner has been conspicuous by his absence from the club's Cobham base since Villas-Boas became manager last summer, enveloped by a high-profile court battle with former associate Boris Berezovsky.
However, this past week the man who bankrolled Chelsea's rise was on hand to watch first hand as Villas-Boas put the squad through their paces, looking to bounce back from last weekend's draw with Manchester United in a game they had lead 3-0.
Villas-Boas insists the situation has not been a distraction as he prepares for Saturday's trip to Everton, revealing his discussions with Abramovich had been "short and accurate and precise".
"The objectives we have for this season are pretty much outlined," he said.
"We have two competitions where we look better, and another competition where we have to dilute the damage and try to finish fourth, at least, which is not a very honourable position for the dimension of this club.
"Bearing in mind the rest, we focus on the same and a lot of focus on next year's progress as well."
Villas-Boas added: "We have never stopped speaking, because he is physically present it does not mean the conversation has just started now.
"The conversations have been ongoing, in different modes, but with physical presence you get your ideas across better, which is good.
"You can speculate whatever you want, but for us it is fantastic to have him here.
"It is not distracting, not at all."
Chelsea will again be without captain John Terry because of a knee injury this weekend.
The defender has been given some extra time off away from Cobham, which Villas-Boas insists is nothing to do with the commotion which surrounded his removal as England skipper and the subsequent departure of national team manager Fabio Capello.
Midfielder Frank Lampard is likely to be available again for the trip to Goodison Park after he returned to training with the rest of the squad for the first time since injuring his calf against Norwich on January 21.
John Obi Mikel has also resumed full duties after seven weeks on the sidelines because of a hamstring problem, while full-back Ashley Cole has served a suspension - all of which gives Villas-Boas a timely boost ahead of what is set to be another test of their top-four credentials at Goodison Park where, like leaders Manchester City before them, Chelsea do not have the greatest of recent records.
"It is a major re-strengthening of the squad bearing in mind the options available," said the Blues manager.
"It is good to have Frank back and Ashley back from suspension, so we will look stronger."
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