Luiz Felipe Scolari insists he will bring world-class football to Stamford Bridge after admitting Chelsea 'gambled' in making him their new manager.

The Brazilian claims he is 'not afraid' of the job and will strive to repay the club by making high profile signings.

Scolari was named as Avram Grant's successor midway through his Portugal side's Euro 2008 campaign despite concerns about his lack of experience in top-level European club football.

The former Brazil manager agrees that there was an element of risk in his appointment but has backed himself to deliver the results that owner Roman Abramovich wants.

"Chelsea gambled on my ability but I believe in myself," said Scolari.

'Not afraid'

"I had two meetings with the owner 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."

Chelsea are yet to win the Champions League since Abramovich bought the club with Grant coming closest last season, guiding the side to the final of the competition.

But Scolari denies his focus will be on European success, insisting every competition is important.

"My pressure is the desire to become world-class, not just to win the Champions League," continued Scolari.

World-class aim

"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."

Scolari also clarified his position with Abramovich, insisting that he has full control of all on-field decisions.

"I also told him that when it comes to the pitch it is all mine, no-one interferes," insisted Scolari. "He was happy with that.

source:http://msnsport.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_3813522,00.html

I have read this in soccernet.com

Well.. if this is a bet, then i suppose it's a good one and lets just place faith in him.

Cant imagine how we'll do next season...

TROPIHES TROPHIES!!! COME TO US!!!!

I love the fact that Big Fil has approached everything with such an air of humility. We all loved Jose coming in and bellowing about how good he was. But I will admit until we were top of the leauge that december I had a big fear that he would fall flat on his face.

Scolari has seemingly taken the opposite approach not out of calculation but becuase of who he is. He might be emotional, but he doesnt seem one for the mind games of the premiership at all. I hope its because he realizes he is good enough to win without them.

I think taking this kind of p.o.v. is a great thing too. Clearly he feels like its gonna be an uphill climb in England, so hopefully he puts that extra bit of effort into preparation and planning before matches.

Edited July 16, 200816 yr by TheWestwayWonder