Luiz Felipe Scolari has pointed to fall-outs with Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba as key reasons for his sacking at Chelsea.
The Brazilian replaced Avram Grant in the summer of 2008 at Stamford Bridge with Scolari only lasting seven months before he was sacked.
Problems learning English were cited as a major reason at the time for Scolari losing his job but the former Brazil boss says there were other issues.
FEATURE: Prick of the Week No. 28: Aidy Boothroyd and his ‘impossible job’
“I had a form of leadership that clashed with one or two players,” Scolari told Yellow and Green Football.
When asked who he was talking about, Scolari named Anelka and Drogba as the two that caused him the most issues.
Scolari added: “Anelka was the top scorer in the league. We had a meeting and Anelka said, “I only play in one position”. So, there was a bit of a lack of friendship, of respect, of trying to play together with Drogba.
“That was when it changed a bit. But we’ve met since then, me and Drogba. The last time was in Russia in 2018. We spoke openly about it.
“There wasn’t any ill intention from him or Anelka. But it happened and I lost out on one of the great chances of my life.”
On wanting to remain in England, Scolari continued: “I wanted to keep working in England. I would work at any club. I think it’s marvellous.
“We went to play against Portsmouth and Sunderland. In stadiums that hold 20,000 people, 19,000 are cheering for the team of their city. I think that’s really beautiful. They don’t support the big clubs, they support their clubs.”
Meanwhile, Mason Mount admits he has had a “rollercoaster” ride at Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard.
“It has been a bit of a rollercoaster the last couple of months,” Mount said last week.
“But it is valuable experience for me and I have learned a lot more. I’d probably say it is five positions I have played in the game but it is all good experiences for me to learn.
“I haven’t had something like that in a game but I am versatile and I can change positions – that is what the modern game is about.
“Obviously now coming into the international break we are all very excited, buzzing to be back together after quite a long break and we are ready to get back to business.”
The post Scolari blames two players for sacking at Chelsea appeared first on Football365.