Frankly, you'll do it my way: Scolari gets tough with Chelsea stars

13 April 2012

Scol lesson: You've nearly got it Frank, but you have to tuck your thumbs inside your waistband, like this. It looks cooler.

Chelsea's pre-season was never like this under Jose Mourinho.

New boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has been giving his players a hard time in their first week back, boosting their fitness before even thinking of tactics (goal celebrations, penalties, arguing with the ref, penalties, falling over, pouting at the ref, penalties).

His marathon training sessions have left them gasping for air, with sessions the gym followed by leg, lung and cardiac work running on the spot, running about) and laps around the training pitch at Cobham more running about).

Scolari also gave the lesser players a chance, with a pool of keepers taking turns in goal, including German youth team stopper Niclas Heimann who may or may not have saved some penalties).

Scolari seemed to have a special programme for Michael Essien.

His team-mates were finally allowed to enjoy a kick-about but the Ghana midfielder's endurance test continued.

Now go away and don't come back till you can do it right

Now go away and don't come back till you can do it right

.... where did I put Jose's number?

.... where did I put Jose's number?

Then, with the evening sun sinking slowly in the west, players' fancies turned to thoughts of driving the Bentley home for a couple of lagers and nodding off in front of the plasma TV, remote in one hand, WAG in the other.

But Scolari had a surprise for them - another work-out, this time in the swimming pool.

Claude Makelele won't have to worry about the new regime. The midfielder is on his way to PSG on a free transfer on a two-year deal.

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