Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari sees bringing the best out of striker Nicolas Anelka as the ideal coaching challenge.

"Anelka is one of the best players in the world but he is a man who is very quiet," said Scolari. "He is not a man who is easily shocked and he is not very emotional. He's a quiet man in the dressing room, in the warm-up, even in life. You never hear from Anelka.

"You can't disturb his equilibrium. If he makes a goal he is happy. If he doesn't make a goal he is normal. If he plays well or if he doesn't play well he is the same. He is cold.

"He is quick, he dribbles well, he shoots with both his left and right foot. He has good physique, good control but sometimes he needs something.

"He has got everything in his game but there are times when he just needs a big hug. It is not a problem. He is a player who, if I say something to, can improve. Yes, I believe Anelka can get even better. He can rise one step more while Drogba is injured.

"He has the condition for this and it's a good challenge for me."

Scolari is famed in South America for the psychological influence he exerts over his players. And his approach was credited with landing the World Cup for Brazil in 2002.

The Brazilian added: "I need to talk to him. Not every day - but on special days, one day before the game or at half-time. Sometimes I have a philosophy or an idea I want to tell a player.

"I would say to Anelka: 'I think today you will have three chances because of this, this and this' and then he has three chances, and makes one goal. Then I say: 'Look what I told you!' It's typical of the relationship between a player and a coach."