Tweet
Scolari's eye-opener at Chelsea: It's bigger than I thought, admits Blues boss
By Matt Lawton
Last updated at 1:32 AM on 18th December 2008
Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted the challenge he accepted when he became Chelsea's manager six months ago is bigger than he anticipated.
But the Brazilian says he is adapting to English football and has opened his door to his players to gain a deeper understanding of the Barclays Premier League.
True Blue: Luiz Felipe Scolari admits the challenge of managing Chelsea has been tougher than he expected.
While Chelsea have been quick to deny suggestions of dressing-room unrest, particularly after Sunday's disappointing draw with West Ham, discussions have taken place between Scolari and senior players with regard to training.
Unlike the Jose Mourinho days, Scolari prefers a more relaxed, South American approach, and it is understood John Terry and Frank Lampard have raised certain concerns with the World Cup winning manager.
More...
But that, as Scolari explains in an interview with the club's TV station, is something he has encouraged since stepping down as manager of Portugal.
'It's bigger than I thought,' he said. 'And it's a little different to other clubs where I was coach. And the culture for football here is different.
'In my six months I learn something more about my job, about the systems, about the players, about the Premier League. It is different and it's fantastic. For a coach, I think this is the best time of my life.
'The first day I arrived here I opened the door and said to the players: 'My door is open every time'.
'Sometimes, I talk with all the players and sometimes with two or three and sometimes alone. They know that I am a big friend, and sometimes father and sometimes brother.'
Chelsea's home form has been disappointing and they stumbled into the last 16 of the Champions League. But they remain just a point off the lead in the title race and Scolari insists he is more than content.
'I only have good words about England, about my team, about my players,' he said. 'I think they are the best in the world.' The depth of quality of the Premier League, he admits, has, also surprised him.
*Watch this exclusive interview with Luiz Felipe Scolari in full from 9pm on Friday night on Chelsea TV, Sky digital channel 421. The channel is free to air from 10am on Friday.
More...
By Matt Lawton
Last updated at 1:32 AM on 18th December 2008
Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted the challenge he accepted when he became Chelsea's manager six months ago is bigger than he anticipated.
But the Brazilian says he is adapting to English football and has opened his door to his players to gain a deeper understanding of the Barclays Premier League.
True Blue: Luiz Felipe Scolari admits the challenge of managing Chelsea has been tougher than he expected.
While Chelsea have been quick to deny suggestions of dressing-room unrest, particularly after Sunday's disappointing draw with West Ham, discussions have taken place between Scolari and senior players with regard to training.
Unlike the Jose Mourinho days, Scolari prefers a more relaxed, South American approach, and it is understood John Terry and Frank Lampard have raised certain concerns with the World Cup winning manager.
More...
- All we want for Christmas Three points, Michael Owen and a broken fax machine: Your guide to the Premier League Christmas wish list
- Patrice Evra reeling at four-match FA ban for Stamford Bridge battle
- HATCHET MAN: If Joe Cole can't win over a Brazilian coach, then he must leave Chelsea
- CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET
But that, as Scolari explains in an interview with the club's TV station, is something he has encouraged since stepping down as manager of Portugal.
'It's bigger than I thought,' he said. 'And it's a little different to other clubs where I was coach. And the culture for football here is different.
'In my six months I learn something more about my job, about the systems, about the players, about the Premier League. It is different and it's fantastic. For a coach, I think this is the best time of my life.
'The first day I arrived here I opened the door and said to the players: 'My door is open every time'.
'Sometimes, I talk with all the players and sometimes with two or three and sometimes alone. They know that I am a big friend, and sometimes father and sometimes brother.'
Chelsea's home form has been disappointing and they stumbled into the last 16 of the Champions League. But they remain just a point off the lead in the title race and Scolari insists he is more than content.
'I only have good words about England, about my team, about my players,' he said. 'I think they are the best in the world.' The depth of quality of the Premier League, he admits, has, also surprised him.
*Watch this exclusive interview with Luiz Felipe Scolari in full from 9pm on Friday night on Chelsea TV, Sky digital channel 421. The channel is free to air from 10am on Friday.
More...
- All we want for Christmas Three points, Michael Owen and a broken fax machine: Your guide to the Premier League Christmas wish list
- Patrice Evra reeling at four-match FA ban for Stamford Bridge battle
- HATCHET MAN: If Joe Cole can't win over a Brazilian coach, then he must leave Chelsea
- CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET