Luiz Felipe Scolari gets Manchester City job Scolari takes over from Eriksson on £2.5m-a-year deal
Luiz Felipe Scolari (Pic:Getty Images)
Luiz Felipe Scolari has agreed to become the new manager of Manchester City.
City's Thai supremo Thaksin Shinawatra targeted 'Big Phil' after making it clear Sven Goran Eriksson will be axed at the end of the season. Brazilian Scolari, 59, who had said he will quit as Portugal boss after Euro 2008, will then take charge at Eastlands after flying to England for talks with Shinawatra on Wednesday.
Scolari, who led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, was at Chelsea's Champions League clash with Liverpool where super-agent Pini Zahavi finalised the deal.
Hardman Scolari, who has a reputation as a strict disciplinarian but also a flair for attacking football, turned down the chance to manage England before the last World Cup.
But Shinawatra's overtures and the promise of a £2.5million-a-year contract have been difficult to resist and Scolari has told his network of coaches and scouts he will take charge at City.
Ex-Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho and Croatia manager Slaven Bilic have been linked to a move to Manchester as Shinawatra was lambasted for axing Eriksson after the ex-England boss's impressive first season in charge at Eastlands.
There has also been a threatened player revolt with Martin Petrov, Elano and Richard Dunne unhappy at Eriksson's impending and shock departure.
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But Shinawatra hopes Scolari's appointment will appease the fans and his players, as well as opening the door to big-name signings.
Shinawatra has made it clear there will be money to spend to strengthen the squad but by sacking Eriksson he has also spelt out a strong message that he expects instant success.
That does not appear to have fazed Scolari who outwitted Eriksson three times when he was in charge of England.
'Big Phil' masterminded Brazil's win over England in the 2002 World Cup and twice led Portugal to victories over England on penalties in Euro 2004 and 2006 World Cup.
Shinawatra has been left unhappy at City's dramatic loss of form and believes he needs a stronger man in charge if the club are to push for Europe and to break into the top four.
But Eriksson has caught admiring glances for the job he has done at City. Benfica and Barcelona have targeted the Swede. 作者: jacksonkua 時間: 2008-5-4 01:35 PM
Luiz Felipe Scolari (Pic:Getty Images)