Chelsea boss Phil Scolari says he has great respect for new managerial rival Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager.

"I respect him a lot, not only because he is Manchester coach but what he made in life. I respect him. I hope to have the same vitality he has at his age. His power, strength and passion for football is fantastic," Scolari told Chelsea TV.

"Maybe I am the same as Sir Alex. Sometimes I am frightening. I think I have some similarities to Ferguson. Sometimes I listened to [Manchester United players] Cristiano Ronaldo or Nani, and they say he is like a father, and I am the same.

"But sometimes, you need to stop and be hard. This is my philosophy. What makes me angry? Lack of professionalism."