In-form Wright-Phillips has won the heart of Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari says he wants to keep Shaun Wright-Phillips at Chelsea after admitting being impressed with his pre-season form.
The England international has struggled to hold down a place in the Blues first-team since his £21m switch from Manchester City in 2005 and has been linked with an £11m summer move to Portsmouth.
But the 26-year-old has played his way into the affections of the new boss with blistering form in the club’s tour of China, prompting Scolari to open talks with the winger in a bid to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
Wright-Phillips scored a fluke goal to cap an outstanding performance in the 7-0 win over Chengdu Blades on Saturday and has now told the boss he wants to fight for his first team place.
“I have spoken to Shaun today at training and he is happy at Chelsea,” the Brazilian said. “If he wants to leave the decision is not only for me but also for the board. Shaun has done a good job up to now, the other players love him and so do my team.”
Scolari, meanwhile, defended the club’s rigorous pre-season trip of Asia and Russia after it was reported the tour has caused unrest among the players.
The Blues move on to Kuala Lumpur to take on a Malaysian Select XI tomorrow before jetting off to Russia later in the week where they play Lokomotiv Moscow and then either AC Milan or Sevilla.
Players have reportedly questioned the hectic schedule but Scolari insists the games are necessary in order for him to size up his inherited squad.
“This is match training for us,” he added. “I’m building my team for the Russia games and after Russia I will have my team for the first match against Portsmouth.”
Blues midfielder Joe Cole has also spoken out to deny dressing room unrest, saying: “It’s our opportunity to come out and play football and give something back to the fans.”