Juliano Belletti says Chelsea's Portuguese-speaking contingent have been hit hard by Luiz Felipe Scolari's sacking.

Belletti says the likes of Alex, Mineiro and Deco cannot understand why the World Cup winner was shown the door so quickly.

He says Deco, who was born in Brazil but played for Scolari for Portugal, is particularly disappointed.

Former Barcelona ace Belletti said: "I am really sad with this situation. It's not only sad for me, but for the other Brazilian players.

"Deco had the opportunity to work with Scolari in the Portuguese national team and is really disappointed.

"It will be tough for us to overcome this situation. We have talked a lot and we are really disappointed with the club officials.

"This is not a good situation for a club who wants to be among the greatest in England."