| 13.06.2008 |
|
||||||||
| The biggest news to come out of Euro 2008 so far is the announcement that came earlier this week that Luiz Felipe Scolari will stand down as Portugal coach and take over the reins of Chelsea - the day after the tournament final. This is excellent news in general for the English Premiership (but maybe not such a reason to celebrate for Chelsea's rivals). The league is certainly in need of another big character and with Sir Alex Ferguson due to retire at the end of the 2010 season and Jose Mourinho now the property of Serie A, Big Phil is made to order. But the timing is curious to say the least. Portugal have been flying so far in Euro 2008 and The Family Scolari (as his teams often get called due to his paternal guidance) are looking strong and happy. Despite obviously being in good form and fettle, one wonders what – if any – detrimental effects this announcement in the first week of the tournament may have on the Portuguese. Germany will be hoping that the coming to an end of an era for their likely quarter-final opponents will unsettle Portugal. Germany should dispose of Austria in a cathartic response to the Croatia defeat which would then set up a rematch of the 2006 World Cup third-place play-off. Maybe Portugal will be plunged into doubt over their future post-Scolari and play with heavy hearts. Unfortunately, I expect Scolari's departure to have a galvanising effect on his team.  As mentioned previously, Big Phil treats his players with a firm but human touch and they respond like willing sons, wanting to make their father proud. He drills them, organizes them and sends them out in his image but he is not afraid to defer to their natural talents when it comes to on-field tactics. There is a certain amount of give and take with any of Scolari's teams but none have ever been in any doubt who is ultimately in charge. It is an approach which has generated a huge amount of respect and one which has brought the Brazilian coach much success. Chelsea are obviously taking a risk but it looks to be a calculated one. The last time they looked truly awesome in the Premiership was when they were gathered together under the wing of the Special One. Scolari is a different animal but will bring those players to him and earn their trust. In response, they will play for him. This is what any side facing Portugal in the next two weeks can expect. Far from weeping over an inevitable separation or sulking about a perceived abandonment, Portugal will more than likely raise their game for the man who has brought them to the upper echelons of the international game. If this is to be Luiz Felipe Scolari's farewell, then rest assured that his players will do their best to ensure it ends in glory. All of which bodes ill for their coming opponents. |
||||||||
|
||||||||
