Andre Villas-Boas has hit out at the negative headlines over his use of Frank Lampard and launched an impassioned defence of the midfielder.
The Blues boss insists the England international remains one of Chelsea's most important players, despite starting three of the last four games on the bench and being substituted in the other.
Lampard once set a Premier League record for consecutive outfield appearances and it is unclear if his relegation to the bench is part of a rotation policy or to preserve the 33-year-old's ageing legs for bigger games.
Speaking at the press conference before Wednesday night's Champions League Group E clash at Valencia, Villa Boas refused to be drawn on his selection of the former England man.
"I think I've answered that question enough," he said.
The Chelsea boss went on to lambast the constant criticism of his selection policy and took the opportunity to defend Lampard.
"Frank is an established player, a top-quality player, he's one of the most important players for the club and will continue to be," the Portuguese coach said.
"He's an established player for Chelsea, for England, has nothing to prove to the football world.
"He's a spectacular team player, a spectacular professional, and he will continue to succeed at this club I think - and I hope - for the remainder of my years at this club."
Villas-Boas dismissed his refusal to confirm Lampard's selection in the squad for Wednesday night's clash as "nothing dramatic", but simply his desire to keep his players motivated.
"Everybody wants to play, so everybody competes for a place. There's no mystique in this situation. It's the day-by-day life of management."
New system
The Chelsea boss also side-stepped the question about whether his current rotation system was to be the norm at Stamford Bridge, insisting challenging for honours is his main concern.
He added: "It cannot be discussible, three times in three days, the team selection.
"In the end [of the season], we have to discuss what has happened throughout the season and what the manager has done wrong or right."
