Scolari: I'm No Special One

The similarities are certainly there – the charisma, the aura of authority, the unbending respect each has commanded from their players during their decorated managerial careers. Not identical by any means, but Scolari and Mourinho most definitely share a trait or several.

It remains to be seen whether their exploits at Stamford Bridge run parallel, however. Sir Alex Ferguson recently insisted that the Pensioners need to recruit some young blood fast if they are to achieve anything significant during the coming campaign. Others have questioned whether Scolari can transform the Blues into a stylish team yet still complete for titles.

Either way, the big Brazilian has had quite enough of being compared to the Special One, both in person and in profession, and is eager for the season proper to kick off so he can make his own mark.

“My name is Luiz Felipe Scolari, not Jose Mourinho,” Scolari was quoted as saying in The Sun.

“I have my own personality and I follow my own way, not someone else’s. I don’t know if Mourinho said he would win this or that trophy but I say things in a different way.

“To my players, to the fans and to Chelsea, I say what any coach in the world would say. Only that we need to win.

“My way at Chelsea is the same as throughout my life as a coach. I want what I have wanted with all the teams I have worked for. Just to win. Chelsea is no different.”

Mike Maguire