December 17, 2008

Scolari To Chelsea: Get Me An 'Organiser'! He supposedly has no money to spend this winter, but the Blues boss is still asking for all sorts of new pl


Chelsea might sit second in the Premier League standings, just one point behind leaders Liverpool, but their home form seems to have manager Luiz Felipe Scolari reaching for the alarm bell.

The Blues, once so dominant on the own turf, have now dropped 14 points at Stamford Bridge this term, following their 1-1 draw with West Ham United at the weekend.

There are many thoeries floating about as to why the London giants are struggling at home, especially as they have been unstoppable on the road.

Some believe the presence Nicolas Anelka instead of Didier Drogba up front has changed Chelsea's style, forcing them use the space behind rather than play direct. Thus, when teams park the bus at the Bridge, the hosts tend to struggle - as Scolari understands all too well.

"When we are at home our opponents close up at the back, with lots of men behind the ball," he told the Daily Mail. "It is different when we play away. The home sides play a more open game."

But while most reckon the problem lies in the forward set-up, Big Phil's eyes are fixed firmly on the middle of the park.

"We lack an organiser who can get hold of the ball, get forward and energise our front line," he said. "I just have players who work on the ball."

Some might find the Brazilian's statements a little hard to swallow given he has the likes of Deco, Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole in his squad.

But he said: "Deco, Ballack and Lampard can all shoot but I don't have a player who can dribble.

"There is no point in me weeping or moaning or seeking blame. I have to find a solution - and that is what I will do."

Scolari may have to wait until next summer to solve this particular problem, though, as Chelsea's transfer kitty has been sewn shut this January.

Cecil Braun, Goal.com

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