Chelsea got it wrong over Scolari: Robinho

February 15, 2009

LONDON (AFP) – Chelsea were wrong to sack Luiz Felipe Scolari according to the Brazilian’s compatriot Robinho.

Scolari was axed by Chelsea on Monday just seven months into his reign after Blues owner Roman Abramovich lost patience with the team’s spluttering form and reports that senior players were unhappy with the manager’s tactics and training.

Abramovich moved quickly to appoint Russia coach Guus Hiddink as Scolari’s replacement but Manchester City forward Robinho is convinced he should have been given time to stamp his authority on the dressing room.

"I know Scolari very well and he talks a lot with the players. I don’t understand why some Chelsea players have not accepted him and that has been the key to irregular results of recent weeks," the Brazil international told The People.

"I did not expect the sacking of Scolari but so many unexpected things happen in English football.

"Felipe is a great coach and he showed that with Brazil and Portugal. They have not given him the necessary time at Chelsea.

"It is another club and I should not get too involved, but I think they have got it wrong."

Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, who was sold by Scolari during the January transfer window, takes the opposite view.

The Italian claims that the former Brazil and Portugal boss was unable to adapt to managing a club because he had been an international manager for so long.

"I didn’t say he was the wrong man the day he was appointed because I didn’t know him then but now I know he was a mistake," Cudicini told the Sunday Times.

"He had been an international coach, not a club manager, for far too long.

"It was a different culture for him too. English football is totally different to what he knew and he found it difficult to adapt to the style and speed of the game.

"He was a very nice guy but not the right person."

Written by: AFP