Scolari – The Challenge Ahead

By Joe Radford | 30th July 2008

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A new era is upon us. Having left the controversial and candid words of “The Special One”, to the dull and discreet methods of Avram Grant, a new man has stepped up to the plate. That man is Phil Scolari. We take a look at what Brazilian manager has to do to win over the demanding Blues fans.

Nobody can doubt his astonishing talent when it comes to international management. With a proven track record at major tournaments, there isn’t a better man around if a World Cup is what you’re after. Is that as far as the big man goes, though? Can he handle himself when it comes to the most fierce and challenging league in the world? Looking at his club management record, he has only managed teams in South America, therefore has never tasted the thrill and pressure of the Champions League, a competition which remains un-ticked on Roman Abramovich’s ever growing list – for now. In all fairness, despite having not really faced a challenge at club level, what he has done, he has done with great avail. He managed a Gremio side which achieved six titles in only three years. Regardless of this, he was heavily criticized by Brazilian media, who claimed he played ugly football to reach the height of success.

Scolari made it no secret his move to Stamford Bridge was financially influenced, stating he was nearing the twilight of his career. Having officially taken over on the 1st of July, Scolari wasted no time in recruiting players for his new Chelsea system. Scolari quickly sealed what could quite possibly be the coup of the season in Deco, for a mere £8.5 million, a player Scolari knows well from his days at Portugal. He doubled that transfer fee on Bosingwa from Porto, a player who impressed a great deal in the recent European Championships. Inevitably, Sir Alex Ferguson wasted no time in proceeding with the mind games, which has become a regular feature between Ferguson and Wenger over many years. Ferguson dismissed the Blues’ title hopes, claiming their side was too old to win anything. Scolari surprisingly declined to respond, a reaction which differed to the one of Michael Ballack. As per usual, Chelsea have been at the heart of key transfer rumors over the summer, with Kaka and Robinho known targets. Perhaps a greater challenge for Scolari is keeping hold of his existing key players, as he attempts to fight off any interest from Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan, who reportedly were keen on Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. But, to the fans delight, this is a battle which Scolari has appeared to come out on top. Preseason has proved a promising one for Chelsea, who have seen no shortage of goals, having thrashed Chengdu Blades 7-0.

Some would say Scolari has done himself no favors by publicly pointing out he aims for an ambitious quadruple of trophies, a concept which will only win the hearts of Chelsea fans until they see a final product.

So as the season draws closer, and the tension mounts higher, fans across the world are waiting to see Scolari and his new-look Chelsea squad attempt heights which have never been reached.

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