Only a win will do for Scolari as Chelsea eye United

Luiz Felipe Scolari admits Chelsea have to prove their title credentials with a win in Sunday’s crucial Premier League showdown against Manchester United.

Scolari’s side have yet to beat one of their ‘big four’ rivals since the Brazilian took charge at Stamford Bridge at the start of the season, but the Blues boss knows that has to change at Old Trafford.

Although second placed Chelsea are four points clear of United, Sir Alex Ferguson’s team will move about them if they win their games in hand, so the west London team desperately need three points to stay ahead of them and keep in touch with leaders Liverpool.

“Every game is a test but if you lose three points against a direct opponent, you are in trouble. We need to win all the big games now,” Scolari said.

“We need to win because they are four points behind but they have two games in hand. We need to think about winning because then we will be in front of Manchester and it is in our hands.”

Scolari has a pressing need for a statement win as well after losing at home to Liverpool and Arsenal and scrapping a draw with United.

A disappointing run of three wins in 10 matches in all competitions, including an embarrassing FA Cup draw against League One Southend, has raised questions about Scolari’s ability to deliver the success demanded owner Roman Abramovich.

Scolari insisted he doesn’t feel under pressure to meet Abramovich’s high expectations and instead claimed that Sunday’s game was the type of showpiece occasion that he came to England for.

Fans across the world will tune into the clash and Scolari can’t wait to show the watching millions what his team is made of.

“I need to arrive in first position in every competition. If I don’t arrive in first I have the board who say if I have done good or not,” he said.

“But there is no pressure. This is my job. I want to win and make Chelsea better. I work hard every day and study for this.”

“I like this game. I was thinking about this game when I signed for Chelsea. Some games are different. I think half of the world will look at this game.

“This not a derby but it’s an exciting game for the players, the coaches and for the rest of the world.

“If you call some friends in China, Brazil, Korea or Qatar they will watch the game. They want to know what time it is on. Everybody wants to see it.

“It is very good for the players. They don’t need any words for motivation. If they see the world talking about this game it is fantastic.”

With so much at stake this weekend, Scolari is relieved to have his captain John Terry back from suspension. The England defender missed three matches following his red card at Everton before Christmas and Chelsea have looked rudderless in his absence.

“It is important for us. He is our captain and a man who has a good position on the pitch,” Scolari said. “He is a leader. He plays very well every time. I think the opposing players respect him.”

Scolari isn’t reading much into United’s surprise midweek League Cup semi-final defeat at Derby as several of Ferguson’s stars were rested at Pride Park, although he did take a swipe at their lack of goals.

“They are playing very well. They have won many games, sometimes 1-0, 1-0, 1-0 but very good. 1-0 is still three points,” he said.

“They have just won the Club World Cup in Japan. They have many good players and are a fantastic club in England and the world.”

After dropping so many points at the Bridgr recently, Scolari is happy to be facing United away and he revealed he has changed the squad’s training routine to help improve their home form.

“Sometimes when you play at home it is more difficult than away. I don’t know why,” he said. “I try to understand and I have changed things this week to help for the future.”