Chelsea have been a side transformed since the Portuguese was sacked on March 4.
They have won all three matches since under caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo, culminating in Wednesday's 4-1 victory that sealed a 5-4 aggregate victory.
The furrowed brows and tension that had accompanied the last few months of Villas-Boas' ill-fated and short reign were replaced by an explosion of joy and relief.
Chelsea's three vastly experienced generals, skipper John Terry at the heart of the defence, Didier Drogba marauding up front and Frank Lampard's masterful in midfield, all produced performances that were all too rare under Villas-Boas.
The clock may be ticking loudly on their careers but they proved against Napoli that "player power" need not be a bad thing. While Villas-Boas appeared set on revolution, the seasoned trio showed that they could be vital in Chelsea's evolution, whoever the next coach is.
His policy of relying on entrusting the salvation of Chelsea's season to the old guard is a simple one but, with the players seemingly happy again, it may prove effective.
"You see it time and time again that when a manager changes the fortunes of the team change," Lampard, who was regularly dropped by Villas-Boas, told reporters.
"I don't know why or whether it's right or wrong but we have not been consistent in the league and that's why the owners changed the manager. The players have to give everything.
"A night like tonight showed the desire of the players and with that we can go a long way. Performances like this bring us all together."
"It's for the club to decide on the new manager," Lampard said. "He's done very well and had three wins out of three so fair play to him. I think Robbie is a Chelsea man and he's shown that with his heart on his sleeve.
"He told us to concentrate on the basics and play with pride. It's a great reflect
