Portugal blast Chelsea timing

Madail unhappy over Blues' Scolari announcement

By James Pearson   Last updated: 20th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Portugal blast Chelsea timing

Scolari: Chelsea-bound

I wish Chelsea would have consulted us before so that we could have chosen a better time.

Portuguese football federation
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Portugal have hit out at Chelsea for naming Luiz Felipe Scolari as their new manager prior to the conclusion of Euro 2008.

Scolari had been busy preparing his team to succeed in Austria and Switzerland this summer when the Blues made their announcement.

Chelsea confirmed on 11th June that Scolari would replace Avram Grant, shortly after Portugal beat Czech Republic in their second group game.

Following the announcement Portugal went on to lose to co-hosts Switzerland before exiting the tournament in the quarter-finals against Germany on Thursday.

Portugal Football Federation (FPF) president Gilberto Madail believes Chelsea's timing showed a lack of respect and that the Premier League club should have informed them of their plans.

Poor timing

"It wasn't the best moment for us for Chelsea to announce Scolari's appointment," said Madail.

"I know Scolari had nothing to do with it and I was surprised, not by the appointment - because Scolari is a great coach - but at the timing chosen.

"I wish Chelsea would have consulted us before so that we could have chosen a better time. The club could've told the federation in advance.

"We tried (to keep him) ... but I felt Scolari really wanted a change in his life. Even if we found (the money from sponsors), we wouldn't get close to the conditions offered to him."