Lampard and Drogba will stay at Chelsea, says ‘So-So One’ Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari yesterday announced his arrival as Chelsea manager by insisting that, contrary to expectation, midfielder Frank Lampard and striker Didier Drogba would not be departing the club.
Lampard is the subject of a renewed £7.9m bid by Inter Milan and is yet to commit his future to Chelsea, but, speaking in his first media conference since taking charge this week, Scolari said face-to-face talks with the England player had left him convinced the 30-year-old would sign a new contract. The former Portugal and Brazil coach, who also confirmed John Terry would remain captain, was equally bullish about keeping Drogba, stressing that the unsettled Ivory Coast international was “200 per cent” part of his plans.
“I met Frank Lampard yesterday and I spoke to him,” said Scolari, who addressed the press in English. “We spoke for 15 minutes and he told me he wants to stay and play for Chelsea for many years.
“I was very happy, because I think Chelsea needs Lampard and Lampard likes Chelsea. I think Lampard will be with us for more than one year.” Scolari underlined his conviction that Lampard would stay by declaring the player vice-captain to Terry.
Chelsea confirmed yesterday they had rejected a formal bid from Inter, but Lampard’s desire to stay will be the deciding factor since, with one year left on his contract, he is entitled to leave for free next summer.
Lampard’s agent, Steve Kutner, yesterday responded to Scolari’s assertion by insisting his client’s future remained “completely unresolved”, despite two years of talks.
Drogba has also been linked with Inter, now managed by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, as well as AC Milan and Real Madrid. But Scolari maintains that he envisages the 30- year-old spearheading his attempt to wrest the Premier League title back from Manchester United.
“I spoke to Didier Drogba yesterday and I saw him happy,” he added. “Drogba is 200 per cent part of my plans. I like him. Two years ago I voted him one of best players in world.”
Scolari has already lured Deco, creative mainstay of his Portugal midfield, to Stamford Bridge, but denied more of his international colleagues would follow. He also strenuously refuted claims that he had advised Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to move to Real Madrid – a move likely to significantly weaken his rivals. The 59-year-old charmed reporters but was reticent on further signings, laughing off speculation of a huge bid for AC Milan playmaker Kaka, and saying he would need “10 days” before he decided on further changes to his squad.
The precocious Mourinho famously announced his arrival by declaring himself “The Special One”. Asked if he too was special, World Cup-winner Scolari struck a more modest tone. “Yes,” he said. “I am special for my friends and family and country. As a manager, so-so.”