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FOOTBALLJOB WAS ALWAYS PHIL'S - SCOLARI KEPT SECRET
Luiz Felipe Scolari: Secret Tuesday June 17,2008 By Tony BanksCHELSEA’S capture of Luiz Felipe Scolari was put into place nine months ago, but he told them he would wait until after Euro 2008 to join.
The Daily Express can reveal that Chelsea’s intention was always to bring in Brazilian Scolari after Euro 2008, which was why Avram Grant was installed as successor to Jose Mourinho last September.
Scolari’s £6million-a-year appointment was announced last week – just after his Portugal side reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.
However, the deal had been all but signed long before. Scolari, 59, assumed for months he would be heading for Chelsea but friends revealed he became worried when Grant, whom he saw merely as a caretaker, steered the Blues to the Champions League final.
A family friend of the Scolaris told the Daily Express: “As far as we have been concerned, the deal was set up a year ago.
“And when Grant became Chelsea manager, Scolari knew already that he was on his way to the club. If there had been any doubt, they would have appointed a big name. It was the sign for Phil that they wanted him.”
Owner Roman Abramovich did explore other avenues – notably AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti – in case Scolari had changed his mind. But once those options closed, the deal with Portugal coach Scolari was completed two weeks ago.
The Daily Express can also reveal Scolari’s eldest son, Leonardo, has been to London three times in the last year, charged with house-hunting for the family.
They have already chosen two properties – an apartment near to Stamford Bridge and a house on the outskirts of London.
The source also said a crucial part of Scolari’s decision was the agreement of his wife, Olga.
He added: “The final say rested with her. She has said that London is the last stop in his career before going back to Brazil to retire.”
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