Essien hails 'tough guy' Scolari

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien believes Luiz Felipe Scolari's "big character" will inspire success at Stamford Bridge this season. After taking over from Avram Grant following Euro 2008, Scolari has stated he wants to bring a new philosophy to the club while also taking an active role in training, a scene which the Ghanaian revealed was not seen under the Israeli. While Essien is in favour of Scolari's hands-on approach, the 25-year-old believes the Brazilian is similar to former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho who guided the Blues to league titles in 2005 and 2006. "He has his own ways tactically on the pitch and hopefully it can help us in the league," said Essien. "Our new boss is really strong. He is a very good coach and we are glad to have him here. "You need to be a big character at Chelsea and I think he has that. He is... [read full story]