West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson has said that he hopes Andre Villas-Boas will be given more time to turn around Chelsea's fortunes.
The Baggies won 1-0 at the Hawthorns to leave the Blues fifth place in the Premier League, with only one win in their last six games.
However, the former Hodgson has backed his counterpart to be successful at Stamford Bridge, stating that it is still too early to sack the Portuguese manager.
"I think it's early days [for Villas-Boas]," said the 64-year-old. "He's a very serious and intelligent football coach and I hope that he will be given the time that he's obviously going to need to work his magic at the club in the same way that many of his predecessors have done.
"It's not an easy situation for him and it must be exceptionally tough having had such a wonderful season at Porto and sweeping all before him. He's now recognising the coin does have two sides but I'm sure that he will be stronger for the experience when he comes out of it on the other side."
Hodgson took over at the Hawthorns in 2011 following an unsuccessful stint at Liverpool.
Michael Penkman
