Luiz Felipe Scolari admits Chelsea "gambled" by making him their new manager, but insists he will strive to repay the club by bringing world-class football to Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian coach was named as Avram Grant's successor midway through his Portugal side's Euro 2008 campaign and despite a glowing CV, which includes victory at the 2002 World Cup with his native country, there were some concerns about his lack of experience in top-level European club football.
Scolari agrees that there was an element of risk in his appointment but has backed himself to deliver the results - and the style - owner Roman Abramovich wants.
"Chelsea gambled on my ability but I believe in myself," he said.
"I had two meetings with the owner Roman Abramovich (before getting the job). He said to me 'I want Chelsea to play well, beautiful and win'. I said 'yes, I agree with you'.
"I am not afraid of my job. All over the world coaches need to win competitions, not only in Chelsea."
Jose Mourinho brought home back-to-back Premier League titles during his stint with the Blues but failed to capture the Champions League, while Grant got to the final of the competition before losing to Manchester United on penalties.
But Scolari denies his focus will be on European success, instead choosing to cast his net wider.
The 59-year-old continued: "My pressure is the desire to become world-class, not just to win the Champions League.
"If I say to my players that the Champions League is more important than another competition, I think the players might only prepare for the Champions League. I don't think that's the correct way to look at it.
"I need to prepare my players for the Carling Cup, the FA Cup, for the Champions League, for the Premier League.
"If I say to my players all competitions are important for Chelsea, then I think that is the way."
Scolari also sought to clarify his position with Abramovich, insisting he has full control of all on-field decisions.
"I also told him that when it comes to the pitch it is all mine, no-one interferes. He was happy with that."
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Comment 1 - 8 of 8
stability is needed indeed.....money cant buy you success
Mr Abramovich, we understood your desire to win things, but we - fans want a stable management for better results cos other clubs in the premiership are equally strong though you can spend
He might be a world class coach but Scolari will the worst coach in chelsea's latest history. the reason is that he is too stubborn to work for that money bag and also he has got so many players he has no use for but cannot send packing.
Fudge lots of whip no substance ..... Failure in slight I guess that why we call them the BLUES!!!!
Big phil should have know problem turning chelsea's prospecs around he has that special something that makes a team gel on the just look at brazil and portugals playing style and game plan I think chelsea are disciplined enough to make things really happen under felipe scolari mind you that is only if roman abramovic keeps out of the way of big phils team building program yes I know roman has invested much into this but the manager should really be left to do his magic scolari is unique when it comes to creating great attacking and successfull football just let him do his stuff time will tell? Chelsea Fan born and bred therefore this and the next few months I take with great passion and pride Go for it the Chelsea.
Great Coach, Great experrience, Good Talk but "A VOLATILE CLUB". I wish you a great debut season and Abramovich's understanding, else the wasp that stung Mourinho and Grant will surface again.
McCarthy (Warri, Nigeria)
You have got our support Big Phill.
Let me get this straight : so Scolari told Abramovic to mind his own business and not to interfer !! Well we shall see about that !! Scolari will be shown the door as were others before him at the first sign of "disobedience "!!
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