Wenger questions Scolari timing

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has described new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari as a "quality man" - but feels the timing of the announcement of his appointment at Stamford Bridge hampered Portugal's chances at Euro 2008.

The Brazilian was named as the new Blues manager during the tournament, and they were subsequently beaten by Germany in the quarter-finals.

Arsenal boss Wenger said: "What's for sure is that it didn't give anything to the team, so it could only take something away. It didn't help Portugal."

He added: "France had that situation in 2004 when (Jacques) Santini announced he was going to Tottenham. Once that happens all you hear is 'who will be next?' That starts in the camp as well.

"I like Scolari as a person. I like him as a coach and I think he has charisma. He will add something to the Premier League. You never know what will happen but he is a quality man, a quality manager."

Wenger also waded into the debate about England's international failings, insisting the quality is there and it is belief that is missing.

Comparing England to Euro 2008 finalists Germany, Wenger said: "I think Germany's mental strength comes from belief. Belief comes from history. The history backs them up in every tournament.

"They know they have done well in the past and go into tournaments with that kind of strength. England have to create more, to create that history."