Does Scolari actually care about Chelsea?
Last updated : 09 December 2008 By Paul Lagan
I make this suggestion, based not on what I see from him on the touchline - jumping up and down and ranting etc, but from comments he makes in press conferences.
Take his latest one for instance.
Chelsea face Cluj tonight in the Champions League final group stage.
Everyone in the UK expects an emphatic victory.
But some journalists like to do a bit of stirring - it makes a story more interesting and you never quite know what the answer will be.
Scolari was asked if, based on Chelsea's recent run of form, there was any pressure on him.
He did say he would head back to Brazil should he fail to reach the group stages of the Champions League.
But Chelsea's PR people were quick to remind everyone that it was just a joke.
Anyhow Scolari replied to this pressure comment as such: "Do you know how many people live in Brazil? All the people there are coaches," he said.
"I was coach there and you think there is pressure here? It is zero pressure."
He then went on to say: "It is the same as other games because we need three points. If we win, we are in the next phase.
"It is not the most important game of the season - it is one more game.
"If we lose, then maybe were are out. It is possible. If we lose and we are out of the Champions League, I will not feel good. But no more than that. This is life, this is football."
Now this series of comments does not smack me in the face as that of a man who cares too much.
I'm sure Roman Abramovich would be delighted to hear that should the club fail to reach the next stage for the first time since he took over the club as just one of those things that happens in football.
Scolari was brought in to ensure Chelsea never fail to reach these stages. In fact to win the thing.
I'm sure Scolari's team, without suspended Frank Lampard will win comfortably.
I just hope that Scolari cares as much about it as the fans, the other senior executives and, of course Roman.
