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‘Big Phil’ Scolari reveals he had to quit Chelsea after ‘a few problems with one or two players off the field’

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FORMER Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has lifted the lid on why he was given the boot by the West London club.

Big Phil became Blues boss in the summer of 2008 – but he was ousted after just seven months at Stamford Bridge.

Luiz Felipe Scolari was given the boot by Chelsea after just seven monthsCredit: AFP – Getty
And he’s now revealed that off-filed bust-ups with Drogba and Anelka were the cause of his dismissalCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times

And now the Brazilian – who masterminded Brazil’s World Cup triumph in 2002 – has revealed that clashes with Blues icon Didier Drogba and French striker Nicolas Anelka were the reasons for his Chelsea exit.

Scolari, 73, told the Daily Mail: “I had a few problems with one or two players.

“Didier Drogba was injured and when he returned, I had a bit of difficulty organising the team with him and Nicolas Anelka.

“I tried to speak with the players to make them understand their positioning, but I wasn’t able to make myself understood to make them do what I needed.

“So we had a few problems off the field, not on the field.”

But despite all the drama off the pitch, Scolari was happy with the achievements he made on the field with the Blues.

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He added: “Some results happened, which nobody wanted, but I left the club in good conditions in all competitions: fourth in the Premier League, qualified to the Champions League and in the FA Cup.”

However, Scolari revealed that he is on good terms with both Drogba and Anelka after clear the air talks years later.

Scolari continued: “Unfortunately, there was this communication problem with the players.

“But we talked about it a few years later and it is all in order. I don’t think it deserves a lot of attention now. It’s all in the past.”

One Premier League star that Scolari had no issues with is Cristiano Ronaldo.

While Scolari was managing Portugal, Ronaldo’s father died – and the tragic event proved to be a catalyst in strengthening the pair’s relationship.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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