Scolari: No Beefs With Roman

Except for the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Frank Lampard’s future, everything appears positively rosy a Stamford Bridge as Scolari settles into his new position. The Brazilian has made an excellent impression during his first fortnight at the club, earning rave reviews from players and higher-ups alike.

But many expect the veneer of cheerfulness to wash away by January, which was typically the time of year when speculation swelled regarding Abramovich’s power struggles with Jose Mourinho.

The Russian tycoon has earned a reputation for interfering with the manager’s transfer proceedings – the very situation which saw the Blues pay ₤30million Andriy Shevchenko in 2006.

Such constant undermining of his position led to the Special One’s mutually agreed departure last September and signalled the beginning of Avram Grant’s short-lived reign in the hot-seat.

But Scolari expects no such issues to arise during his tenure in west London, insisting he and Abramovich are very much on the same page regarding what direction they wish to take the club.

He Said, He Said

“He says to me he wants Chelsea as a team, as a group,” the Brazilian recalled in The Independent. “He wants Chelsea to play well, beautiful, and win.

“I say, 'Yes, I want the same. I agree with you'. He did not say, 'This player good, this player not'.

“He asked me what I thought about this player, or that player, and, 'Do you think we have some young players in the academy that have the condition to play in your group?' I tell him, 'If they have the quality, yes.'

“He said, 'You are afraid to put in young players?' I say, 'No. In my history I put in many young players'.”

Scolari has already signalled his intentions towards flair and youth by signing Portuguese playmaker Deco and announcing that he will axe up to seven senior players to make way for young talent.

Whether such active enforcement of his ideals continues remains to be seen; but if there is one man who will not have his authority questioned, it is the one they call 'Felipao'.

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