Source: Telegraph
Sir Alex Ferguson bemoans Chelsea sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari
As Chelsea and Roman Abramovich embark upon a search for a fifth manager in as many years since the Russian bought the club, fellow managers were quick to question the knee-jerk reaction to a dip in form. [LNB]On a day when two Premier League managers paid the price for football's success now philosophy - with Tony Adams also being dismissed at Portsmouth - Ferguson, who has managed Manchester United for 22 years, expressed shock at the news. [LNB]'I am really surprised. It is a shock so soon - he only took the job seven months ago,' said Ferguson. [LNB]'He is a man of great experience - he took Brazil to World Cup winners, and was the obvious choice to replace Avram Grant. [LNB]'It is a sign of the times. There is absolutely no patience in the world now. [LNB]"There was great expectation at Chelsea that they were going to do well this year, and it is only this month they have had a bad spell. The judgement really is only on the last month.'[LNB]Attention now turns to Scolari's replacement, with Russia coach Guus Hiddink, former Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini and Frank Rijkaard all featuring on a prospective shortlist. [LNB]Former manager Grant could also be a stop gap until the summer when Carlo Ancelotti is approached. [LNB]The name of former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle has also been raised at Stamford Bridge, and he was measured in his response to the news. [LNB]'Any manager nowadays needs a bit more time than Scolari's had - so yes, I'm surprised,' said Hoddle. [LNB]'But obviously the standards Chelsea are looking for are right up there and anyone who takes a job like Chelsea knows these pressures. [LNB]'The pressure has probably built up in the last month and it looks like that's the reason.'[LNB]Jose Mourinho, who twice claimed the Premier League title while in charge at Chelsea, said: 'I am always saddened when a manger is sacked but that is football. [LNB]'I wish Scolari well for the future and I wish Chelsea well in the future. I hope happiness returns soon to Stamford Bridge.'[LNB]Dunga, who leads Brazil against world champions Italy at the Emirates Stadium, echoed the sentiments of his peers in pleading for more time for managers to work at clubs. [LNB]'Scolari is an established trainer and a World Cup winner," he said. "He was a winner in club football with Palmeiras and a winner as a coach of Brazil and of Portugal's national teams. [LNB]'Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are strange cases in club football, almost unique, because they are the only ones who have been in charge of their teams for many years. [LNB]'It is a sign that modern coaches do not get enough time to work with their players.'[LNB]
