Villas-Boas – whose release from his Porto contract cost some €13.2m – can expect to face questions over whether he was first choice for the position.

Following Ancelotti’s dismissal, it was widely reported that former caretaker manager Guus Hiddink had emerged as the Blues’ top target to reprise the role he enjoyed on a temporary basis following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari when guiding the Blues to FA Cup victory at Wembley in 2009.

However, after Villas-Boas was confirmed, Chelsea maintained the Portuguese coach was the “outstanding candidate for the job” and there had been no formal approach to the Dutchman, who remains in his post as national coach of Turkey.

Villas-Boas is no stranger to Stamford Bridge or to senior members of the dressing room, having been part of Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff.

However, now returning as the man charged by owner Roman Abramovich with delivering the Champions League, the young Portuguese coach will need to hit the ground running.

Villas-Boas – whose stock rose after guiding Porto to Europa League and domestic glory last season – has promised evolution not revolution.

“Chelsea is a club that in the last six years has achieved so much and people are expecting us to be the same way,” he said after his appointment was confirmed.

“I feel confident I can respond to the ambitions of the supporters and the ambitions of the owner and the administration.”

Nevertheless, some changes behind the scenes are expected. Long-serving first-team assistant coach Paul Clement is set to leave, along with fitness coach Glen Driscoll and club doctor Bryan English.

The Blues’ opening pre-season friendly against Vitesse Arnhem in Holland on July 9 has been cancelled at the request of the new manager, who wants more preparation time with the squad.

Villas-Boas is looking to bring in a new number two, after his preferred choice Vitor Pereira was appointed as his successor at Porto. Fitness coach Jose Mario Rocha and senior scout Daniel Sousa are, though, set to follow from the Dragons.

Michael Emenalo, assistant first-team coach under Ancelotti, could take up a technical director role.

The new Chelsea boss is also expected to be busy in the transfer market ahead of the new campaign, reshaping what is an ageing Blues squad.

Colombia striker Radamel Falcao and midfielder Joao Moutinho are expected to follow him to Stamford Bridge from Porto. Brazilian youngster Neymar is, meanwhile, a long-term target for the club.

Veteran Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has been linked with a move to Marseille should Falcao’s arrival be confirmed, but Michael Essien’s agent has ruled out a transfer for the Ghana midfielder.