Aston Villa's Paul Lambert rejects claims of Jose Mourinho rift

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has insisted that there was "never a problem" between himself and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho during last night's Premier League encounter.

The duo clashed on the touchline during the Blues' 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge due to Lambert feeling that Branislav Ivanovic should have been sent off for a reckless elbow on Christian Benteke before going on to score the winner.

The Villa boss also believes that his side deserved a penalty due to a handball offence by Chelsea skipper John Terry in the area.

"The two of us were shouting at referees and officials and everything," Lambert said in a press conference today. "I'm not going to go there and lie down, and neither is Jose.

"A lot has been made of me moaning - he does his fair share as well, just to let you know. It is not a problem. We had a bit of banter between us and I saw him afterwards. I like him and he is a brilliant football manager. There was never a problem."

Villa are due to take on Liverpool this Saturday.