Scolari accepts he is a risk
13 Jul 2008 - 12:10:17
New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari believes he has the experience to bring trophies back to Stamford Bridge.
The former Portugal and Brazil manager's appointment has been seen as something of a risk by some pundits who do not think the 59-year-old has enough knowledge in top-level European club football.
But Scolari said: "Chelsea gambled on my ability but I believe in myself.
"I had two meetings with the owner AS Roman Abramovich (before getting the job). He said to me 'I want Chelsea to play well, beautiful and win'. I said 'yes, I agree with you'.
"I am not afraid of my job. All over the world coaches need to win competitions, not only in Chelsea. My pressure is the desire to become world-class, not just to win the Champions League.
"If I say to my players that the Champions League is more important than another competition, I think the players might only prepare for the Champions League. I don't think that's the correct way to look at it.
"I need to prepare my players for the Carling Cup, the FA Cup, for the Champions League, for the Premier League.
"If I say to my players all competitions are important for Chelsea, then I think that is the way."