Chelsea sack coach Luiz Felipe Scolari after only eight months in the job
From correspondents in London, England
February 10, 2009 CHELSEA have sacked manager Luiz Felipe Scolari after falling behind in the Barclays Premier League title race, the club announced on Tuesday morning (EDT).

The Blues lie fourth in the table, seven points behind leaders Manchester United after being booed off the pitch by their own fans at Stamford Bridge following a goalless draw with top-flight new boys Hull City on the weekend.

"Unfortunately, the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season," a Chelsea statement confirming Scolari's dismissal said.

"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now."

Scolari, the 2002 World Cup-winning coach of Brazil, was in his first season at the club owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, and he was sacked with immediate effect.

Chelsea's statement added: "The search for a new manager had already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible.

"Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined, and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon."

Assistant manager Ray Wilkins, a former Chelsea captain, will take charge of Chelsea on a temporary basis.

Sky Sports News reported that Russia coach Guus Hiddink, linked with the Chelsea job last year, was a candidate to take over.

Reports also said that Avram Grant, the man Scolari replaced in July, could return to the club, although he has also been linked with the vacancy at Portsmouth, after Tony Adams was sacked.

Some Chelsea fans during the weekend match called for former player Gianfranco Zola, now in charge of London rivals West Ham, to replace Scolari.

But the Italian's lawyer, Fulvio Marrucco, in a statement quoted by Sky, said that no approach had been made by Chelsea for Zola.

"At the moment we know nothing about the link between Gianfranco Zola and the vacant position at Chelsea,'' Marrucco said.

"Gianfranco is very happy at West Ham and still thanks them for giving him the opportunity to be a coach in the Premier League.

"It is very difficult to say if anything will happen, but Chelsea is a special place for Gianfranco Zola.''

Scolari, who won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, was manager of Portugal before he took over at Chelsea - his first job in European club management.

Chelsea great John Hollins said that lack of experience of club football had ultimately counted against the 60-year-old.

"You can't knock him for what he's done internationally but club football is a different ball game," Hollins, who after playing for Chelsea managed the club for three years in the 1980s, told Sky Sports.

"I feel he couldn't adapt to the every day thing (of club management). Internationally he's had time to look at a game and pick a team but (Chelsea) is instant.".

Scolari is the seventh Premier League manager to be sacked or to quit this season.


http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25033552-29437,00.html