Jose Mourinho gets what he wants. He does not adapt to the club. The club adapts to him. He possesses the self-assurance of a scientist, demonstrating an experiment to a skeptical audience and then saying “I told you so”. Abramovich understands Mourinho was the best signing he ever made, but he grew tired of Mourinho claiming all the plaudits and adulation from fans and media alike. A showdown was inevitable, but a mid-season sacking was unexpected.
Understandably, Abramovich appointed in his place a diligent but nondescript administrator, a man almost comically uncomfortable in front of cameras. If anything, Grant’s brief reign made us question how important Jose really was to this star-studded Chelsea side. It is significant that Grant accumulated more points than both Ferguson and Wenger in the league, and exceeded Mourinho by bringing Chelsea within one step of the European crown. These were stellar achievements, but underappreciated by the Stamford Bridge faithful. They made their voices heard: We want Style over Substance! In hiring Luiz Felipe Scolari, Abramovich thought he would give them both.
Most Chelsea supporters think Scolari an entertainer by nature. He is Brazilian, temperamental and audacious enough to reject the England job. Two stylish, 4-0 wins at the Bridge appear to vindicate that belief. Chelsea appear more fluid, less inhibited. Lampard has started the season leaner and hungrier than he did the last. Ashley Cole is showing his best form since his move from Arsenal. Deco offers Latin adventure, and in Jose Bosingwa Chelsea finally have a reliable right-back.
If Scolari desires success in England and Europe, he must show a greater willingness to adapt than his Portuguese predecessor. He has essentially been given Mourinho’s tools. Mourinho built a house impregnable as his own ego. Using the same tools, Scolari must fashion a more aesthetically pleasing product. He must be architect as well as engineer. It is a tall order, a challenge few would envy if not for the pay package. Yet, Scolari, a man who has coached in 3 different continents, will have come mentally prepared. Placed next to Mourinho, Scolari is an elder statesman, substantially more experienced at negotiating the complex politics at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho was a cult figure at Chelsea, Scolari will not follow suit. He will not alienate Kenyon or Arnesen, and he certainly will not disparage his billionaire paymaster. In this sense, Scolari is the superior fit.
Chelsea must go into the weekend as favourites. United have not won in 3 games, losing 2, and have 1 win in 5 competitive starts this season. Ronaldo will play, but Ferguson will gladly accept a point. Scolari must not allow complacency to creep into his charges. He made some great comments after the Bordeaux match, when they won 4-0.
“We wanted to make more goals but gave chances to the other team. They only had one or two chances but they had more of the ball. We need more. We have the experience to know this. Maybe against another team we would have received more punishment because we lost many balls in the middle. It is dangerous for us.”
He was talking about the weekend and Manchester United. This is usually a sign of a high-calibre coach, always looking to stay one step ahead of the media and the opposition.
