Money a factor in Scolari's decision

Jun 14, 2008 - 9:42 PM BASEL, Switzerland (Ticker) -- Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari chose Chelsea over a new contract with the national team in large part because the Premier League club offered to pay him more money.

Scolari, whose side will face Switzerland in its final Group A match on Sunday, began his pre-match press conference on Saturday by addressing his appointment as Blues boss - a role he will take up on July 1.

Scolari insisted that his decision did nothing to change his approach to his current job, or his relationship with the Portuguese football federation, but revealed he had turned down the chance to sign a new deal after holding talks with his current employers.

"Every decision was taken with the parties involved knowing what happened, namely the president of the Portuguese football federation who looked for assistance with some sponsors," he said. "He tried to get their help but they didn't give their assistance.

"We wanted to get a similar proposal but after having done that they told me I was free to negotiate with whomever I wished to negotiate. I negotiated."

Although he recognized that the Portuguese tried to retain him, Scolari knew that his tenure with the national team was temporary.



"We all knew one day we would start and one day we would end," he said. "The president did his utmost, but my assignment will end at the end of the Euros.

"We should stop touching upon this topic because it is not going to change. We tried, we did our utmost on each side. But there are numbers, and based on these numbers we decided the best thing for me was what was decided a few days ago."

Scolari, who will succeed Avram Grant at the Premiership club, gave little away about what sort of boss he will be.

"You have to ask my wife, she knows best - get in touch with her!" he said when asked to describe what kind of person he is.

"I am what you see, I'm the person you are talking to. I like to play, I like jokes, I like a good atmosphere, I feel comfortable anywhere in the world because I establish good relationships with the people who surround me."

Scolari does not believe he will have any problems fitting back into the club coaching scene either, despite having spent the last seven years on the international stage.

"I spent my life coaching clubs," he said. "I know all the ins and outs of coaching clubs. It's no problem to me."

Scolari insisted that he would remain completely focused on Portugal's bid for European glory before moving to Stamford Bridge.

The Portuguese conclude their pool campaign against already-eliminated co-hosts Switzerland at Basel's St. Jakob-Park on Sunday night before a quarterfinal clash with the runners-up from Group B - probably Germany - on Thursday at the same stadium.

Scolari is keen to go out on a high note before moving to England.

"That's all I've been dreaming of. I'm not saying goodbye, I'm saying 'ciao, see you later'," he said.



"At the moment I'm here with my soul, with my body completely involved until the end. What happens next is another chapter but I hope we can get to another final."

Chelsea confirmed on Wednesday night - shortly after Portugal's 3-1 win over Czech Republic - that the 59-year-old Brazilian would take up the Stamford Bridge reins on July 1.

The timing of the announcement that Scolari would switch to Stamford Bridge after the Euros raised a few eyebrows. But Scolari is ready to carry the can if it affects his side and causes them to go out in the quarterfinals.



"If Portugal were to go out, I am always responsible," he said.

Scolari went on to deny his decision had been purely down to money, and also pointed to other opportunities for his family in England.

"I've got a family, other possibilities are opened up for me," he said. "I might offer my eldest son or my youngest son the opportunity to come with me and study. Sometimes it is good to change things, it's positive. So I didn't decide on the change only because we couldn't get the sums right."

Scolari ended by insisting that he would leave Portugal on good terms.

"I'm working until the end (of the Euros)" he said. "We have a very good atmosphere, the relationship is great. I adore everything I have been doing up to now.

"I like the players more and more as time goes by. And I feel very strongly for the Portuguese people, I am very fond of them. The only thing that will change will be the country I am based in. Let's put a final stop to it."