Deco hails Scolari

Blues' new recruit praises Stamford Bridge manager

Last updated: 25th July 2008

August Magazine

Sky Sports Magazine: Out from 24th July

He'll do fine in the Premier League. There won't be any language barrier.

Deco on Scolari.
Quotes of the week

IN AUGUST'S SKY SPORTS MAGAZINE
+ Results of our major football fans survey
+ Guide to all the live Sky Sports Premier League fixtures
+ Preview of the new Premier League season
+ England v South Africa Test series
+ USPGA Golf
+ Your comprehensive live sport guide
Plus much more...

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Chelsea summer signing Deco has backed new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

Deco, who joined the Blues from Barcelona, knows Scolari well having worked under the Brazilian coach during his stint in charge of Portugal.

The Brazilian-born midfielder, who elected to represent Portugal, believes Scolari's honesty and up front approach to management will endear him to his star-studded Blues squad.

Although the 59-year-old's English is currently limited, Deco does not believe the World Cup winning coach will have difficulty getting over his message to his team.

Great coach

"Scolari's a great coach," he told Sky Sports Magazine. Not only is he always trying to set new standards tactically, but he also shows a lot of respect to his players.

"You know what's what with him - he's not two-faced.

"He is demanding but he also accepts that players see things on the field that should be changed. You can just ahead and do it, as long as it's for the team's sake.

"He'll do fine in the Premier League. There won't be any language barrier - he speaks the language of football. He likes exciting play with a bit of aggression.

"Everyone will adore him. Both Mourinho and Scolari are strong personalities. Mourinho is more of a 'provocateur'. But you should not compare them. Let Scolari do his job and judge him for that."

+ To read the full interview with Deco, look out for the Sky Sports magazine, out on 24th July.