Scolari-Anelka Feud Rocks Chelsea

The Sun, that most mischievous of British tabloids, claims that Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari became embroiled in a heated row with Nicolas Anelka ahead of last Sunday's clash with Manchester United.

The French forward supposedly expressed his dissatisfaction at being benched for the Blues' previous two outings, against Southend United and Fulham, both of which ended in disappointing draws.

So the former Arsenal and Real Madrid man was less than pleased to hear that he would line up on the flank at Old Trafford, although which side of the touchline depended entirely on the player's preference.

Thus, the Premier League's top scorer started on the pine as the Blues sank to a 0-3 humiliation in Manchester, and tempers are flaring dangerously at Stamford Bridge.

An unnamed source said, “Nothing is going right at the moment and there are suddenly a lot of questions being asked about Mr Scolari’s management style.”

The rumour mill has been chocked with stories of player unrest at Chelsea, with various reports suggesting that the manager has lost the dressing room due to his strict, suspicious nature.

Not all is well at boardroom level either, it would seem, as the Brazilian boss has begged for a couple of new attackers this winter but been denied the necessary funds.

Clearly Roman Abramovich and co have told Scolari to focus on closing the gap to Liverpool, who now sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

First the Londoners must negotiate their FA Cup replay with Southend, however, and defeat at Roots Hall - especially after the Carling Cup exit to Burnley - could spell big trouble for Big Phil.

--Mike Maguire, Goal.com