Big Phil not under Roman rule
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Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari says he has not been ordered to play attractive football by the club’s owner Roman Abramovich.
The subject of ‘sexy football’ has been a hot topic at Stamford Bridge since the Russian billionaire’s takeover of the club, and Jose Mourinho left the West London outfit last September with a clash with Abramovich over the style of football that was played under him being suggested as the reason for his exit.
The Portuguese’s successor, Avram Grant, was axed at the end of last season – despite leading Chelsea to a Champions League final and running Manchester United down to the wire for the Premier League title – and there is great anticipation as to how Scolari will organise his squad.
Despite the pressure, the Brazilian is adamant that his main priority is to win silverware and not satisfy any desires for flashy football.
Scolari said: “I am not here to play pretty but to win titles. If we do both, that’s great.
“There has never been a situation when Roman said ‘We have to play beautiful’.
“I met him twice and we talked like two ordinary people, not as owner and coach.
“He said ‘Do better for Chelsea’. That’s it. Nothing more.”