Way before Scolari’s sacking, there were rumours in the press of discontent in the dressing-room and falling’s out with players – half of whom were reported to be unhappy with the Brazilian’s laid back approach to training. Not only was it suggested Scolari turned up late for training sessions, it had also been said the players had been begging him to play 4-4-2 all along and he was having none of it, and they were losing faith every bit as fast as they were losing points.

Still, as is usually the way when a manager leaves, despite all the stories that have gone before, the press are falling over themselves to bring us quotes from the shocked and saddened squad.

First up predictably is mouth almighty himself, who, despite failing to play for Scolari all season says “Its true results haven`t been the best, but we had time to put things right and enough fighting qualities, especially with our progression in the Champions League. But our bad results have been decisive.  I didn`t know much about the sacking. Someone called me and told me what had happened. When I left London no one was talking about this happening. The club never spoke to the players.”

John Obi Mikel, who found himself a virtual ever present in the side under Scolari, seems to have taken it pretty much in his stride, saying “We’ve had a bad run but it’s the fault of everyone and it’s unfortunate he’s gone. But there’s nothing we can do about it.  Yes I’m disappointed, he’s a good manager, a nice person, like a father in the club - a father figure. But at the same time if the club thinks it’s the best thing then that’s the right way to go.  He had his own coaching style, unfortunately it didn’t work for Chelsea but I think he’s a great manager, a nice person and I’m really disappointed to see him go.  He came in and he wanted us play flowing football, pass the ball around and move the ball quicker. I think we did that in some games but in others we found it difficult because most clubs in the Premier League watched us and know how we play.  When they come to play us at home they come to defend and it makes it really difficult to play so I think our home run this season has been really bad.”

Whilst acknowledging things haven’t gone according to plan, Alex appeared slightly more disappointed, stating “When Scolari was first here he seemed really happy and had a lot of positive ambition.  But recently he has looked under pressure to get results and he was not the same. He seemed different.  His departure has still come as unexpected. I heard the news from team mates. I didn’t want him to go but the decision is down to the club.”

Jose Bosingwa agrees it was a bit of a surprise although points to the squad as needing to share the blame for the poor results this season, stating “During the last few weeks I’ve noticed a difference in Scolari.  He’s been under more pressure and without his usual smile on his face when he is at work on the training ground. It was a surprise to me but it’s normal when results are bad that the coach’s reputation is damaged.  But for me the success and results aren’t just about the coach but the squad as well.  I’ve always thought in England coaches aren’t sacked in the same way they are in other countries but from my time in England, it’s the same here too.”

Likewise, the Chelsea captain, although shocked and in agreement with Bosingwa about the players’ contribution in Scolari’s downfall, having seen it all too often before, says pragmatically “I was very shocked by what’s happened.  He had my full support, that’s for sure, and I’m sure two or three of the other players would say the same. He’s a great man but we weren’t playing well and that unfortunately falls on his head. Maybe it should have fallen more on us the players.  At end of the day it’s all about results, and unfortunately for Scolari they didn’t come.”

However, whilst the rest of the squad seem to have taken it on the chin, there’s one player who stands out as being pretty put out by it all – and we’ve already heard Drogba’s opinion, so this time we know it’s not him. No, the unhappy bunny is the player who could do no wrong in his Brazilian boss’ eyes. And Deco says “I was shocked when I heard the news, I almost could not believe it.  The reason I came to Chelsea was to play for Scolari. He explained the ambitious project they had here and that’s why I decided to sign. I rejected a lot of other offers to join them.”

No prizes for guessing the first player to follow Scolari out the door once the summer’s here then!

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