Premier League - Robinho: Scolari deserved time

Eurosport - Sun, 15 Feb 17:47:00 2009

Robinho has claimed that Chelsea made a mistake in sacking Luiz Felipe Scolari.

FOOTBALL Manchester City Robinho - 0

The Brazilian coach departed the Premier League club on Monday after the Stamford Bridge hierarchy lost faith in the World Cup winner's ability to deliver success.

One of Scolari's first acts as Blues boss was to try to sign Brazil forward Robinho from Real Madrid, although he was scuppered by a last-minute move by Manchester City.

And the man who got away insists his countryman should have been given more time.

"I know Scolari very well and he talks a lot with the players. I don't understand why some Chelsea players have not accepted him and that has been the key to irregular results of recent weeks," Robinho told The People.

"I did not expect the sacking of Scolari but so many unexpected things happen in English football.

"Felipe is a great coach and he showed that with Brazil and Portugal. They have not given him the necessary time at Chelsea.

"It is another club and I should not get too involved, but I think they have got it wrong."

However, Carlo Cudicini, the goalkeeper Scolari allowed to join Tottenham in last month's transfer window, believes the Brazilian was simply not suited to a high-profile job in English club football.

Scolari had been out of club management since 2001 in his roles with Brazil and Portugal, and Cudicini claims he was out of touch with the daily rigours of such a role.

"It just didn't work out," the Italian told the Sunday Times. "I didn't say he was the wrong man the day he was appointed because I didn't know him then but now I know he was a mistake.

"He had been an international coach, not a club manager, for far too long.

"It was a different culture for him too. English football is totally different to what he knew and he found it difficult to adapt to the style and speed of the game.

"He was a very nice guy but not the right person."

Sporting Life / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 8 of 8

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  1. samaldo! was the decision of robinho to go to city­ solely that of real madrid?
    Mr know it all in football.

    From mabou, on Mon 16 Feb 12:41PM

  2. UTD ARE THE HOLY GRAIL OF FOOTBALL....BRING IT ON.

    From L H, on Mon 16 Feb 9:23AM

  3. comments 6 and 5 get your facts right... he didn't­ 'choose' to go to man city, Real Madrid­ accepted City's offer not Chelsea's. I am not­ even a city supporter its just that people who know­ nothing about football but feel they can write comments­ on it is very annoying!!

    From Samaldo, on Mon 16 Feb 8:24AM

  4. If Robinho was such a big fan of Scolari why did he go­ to City.... oh yeah, money.

    From Ashley B, on Mon 16 Feb 7:19AM

  5. Robinho first player not to accept Scolari as he went­ to Man City even though wanted by him. Hypocrite!

    From pickthat1outoftheonionbag, on Sun 15 Feb 10:24PM

  6. scolari at city asap kaka will follow in summer ­ robinho will play better and elano will get more games

    From andy_bap, on Sun 15 Feb 9:32PM
  7. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Whatever Happens Man Utd is winning all available cup,­ sheild etc this season...All Hail the great United...

    From ceahy2k, on Sun 15 Feb 7:51PM

  8. why do i get the feeling big phil will be back and­ probably at city he is a good manager and let go too­ soon i think chelsea could learn to rue that decision i­ think he will bring the best out off the city players­ hughes is not ready for such at the moment

    From OLIVER, on Sun 15 Feb 7:13PM
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