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Ex-Man Utd midfielder Kleberson: Scolari great for Chelsea

Former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson is backing Luiz Felipe Scolari to bring success to Chelsea.

Samba star Kleberson, who now plays for Flamengo, was part of Big Phil's Brazil squad that won the 2002 World Cup.

And he insisted: "I believe he has all the qualities to do a wonderful job in England. Chelsea fans can expect good things and many trophies under Scolari's management. He has spent the last few years in international management but I have no doubts he will be able to adapt because he has a strong club background.

"The language will probably be the toughest obstacle but I know he speaks and understands English very well."

Kleberson, 29, had two largely unsuccessful seasons at United before moving on to Turkish club Besiktas in 2005.

And he believes some of Chelsea's big stars could be in for a shock with Scolari at the helm - as could Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

Kleberson said: "Scolari feels the dressing room belongs to him. He says he is hired to manage the team.

"He doesn't want to know how the club is managed and doesn't try to put his nose in those aspects. He believes directors and other officials should act the same way. And he doesn't like to be bossed around in the way he manages the team. He is the coach, he makes the decisions. He chooses who plays and who stays on the bench - and if you don't like that, then you have a big problem.

"He is very demanding. If he sees someone is not giving 100 per cent he becomes mad. He used to say with Brazil he wouldn't go into battle with players who wouldn't believe in him.

"Scolari is a very generous and kind person. He makes a point in creating a very strong bond with all the players.

"He treats everyone as equals. He named me for the 2002 World Cup when I was a pretty unknown player, even in Brazil. He believed in me and made me a world champion. I will never forget that."

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