SCOLARI'S BRAZILIAN WAY
Luiz Felipe Scolari has wasted no time in stamping his colourful personality on Chelsea, having been at the club for a mere six weeks. At Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon he takes charge of the Blues for the first time in a competitive fixture, and a 30-year-old boy from Brazil, Deco, is sure to be the heartbeat of Scolari's team, as they attempt to begin their Premier League campaign with victory over FA Cup winners Portsmouth.
Scolari, who conducted Brazil's 1994 World Cup success, insists that central midfielder Deco - the only signing hitherto made by the 59-year-old - is the key to Chelsea's domestic and global domination. The São Paulo-born naturalised Portuguese, who signed from Spanish giants Barcelona for €10m in June, was the only name on Scolari, his former national coach's wish list.
"When Chelsea contacted me, I told them: 'I want one player: Deco'," says Scolari, who explains that full-back José Bosingwa was the club's signing. "I told them that if Chelsea wanted to win, then we needed to change something; we needed Deco.
"He is one of the most crucial players in the team - Deco is the man who gives balance to the team, his technique and control is fantastic. He allows the other players more time and he dictates play.
"Deco plays differently to the others. He has time to shoot, to stop the ball, time to touch and pass. His character is different to others too. It is import for us because with him we will play better football."
In what will be music to Chelsea owner and aesthete Roman Abramovich's ears, the new manager has vowed to sprinkle some Brazilian magic on the road to glory. Scolari continued: "The idea is to play and pass as in Brazilian football. I know English football is different, but we must learn from the Brazilians how to control, touch and pass the ball."
There will even be a Brazilian touch in the dressing room, as Scolari has flown over a famous sports psychologist to help his relationship with his Chelsea players and to help calm their stress levels. Regina Brandao, who has worked with Scolari for 10 years, has already complied detailed dossiers on all squad members.
"Now that I am here in London, she has some principle ideas for the future," Scolari added. "She met the players, has lots of information, and said some words to them. If I feel it is necessary in the future, she will come again to England to help me and the players. You will see in the future how my way is at Chelsea."
Luiz Felipe Scolari has wasted no time in stamping his colourful personality on Chelsea, having been at the club for a mere six weeks. At Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon he takes charge of the Blues for the first time in a competitive fixture, and a 30-year-old boy from Brazil, Deco, is sure to be the heartbeat of Scolari's team, as they attempt to begin their Premier League campaign with victory over FA Cup winners Portsmouth.
Scolari, who conducted Brazil's 1994 World Cup success, insists that central midfielder Deco - the only signing hitherto made by the 59-year-old - is the key to Chelsea's domestic and global domination. The São Paulo-born naturalised Portuguese, who signed from Spanish giants Barcelona for €10m in June, was the only name on Scolari, his former national coach's wish list.
"When Chelsea contacted me, I told them: 'I want one player: Deco'," says Scolari, who explains that full-back José Bosingwa was the club's signing. "I told them that if Chelsea wanted to win, then we needed to change something; we needed Deco.
"He is one of the most crucial players in the team - Deco is the man who gives balance to the team, his technique and control is fantastic. He allows the other players more time and he dictates play.
"Deco plays differently to the others. He has time to shoot, to stop the ball, time to touch and pass. His character is different to others too. It is import for us because with him we will play better football."
In what will be music to Chelsea owner and aesthete Roman Abramovich's ears, the new manager has vowed to sprinkle some Brazilian magic on the road to glory. Scolari continued: "The idea is to play and pass as in Brazilian football. I know English football is different, but we must learn from the Brazilians how to control, touch and pass the ball."
There will even be a Brazilian touch in the dressing room, as Scolari has flown over a famous sports psychologist to help his relationship with his Chelsea players and to help calm their stress levels. Regina Brandao, who has worked with Scolari for 10 years, has already complied detailed dossiers on all squad members.
"Now that I am here in London, she has some principle ideas for the future," Scolari added. "She met the players, has lots of information, and said some words to them. If I feel it is necessary in the future, she will come again to England to help me and the players. You will see in the future how my way is at Chelsea."
Labels: Chelsea, Deco, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portsmouth, Premier League
