“Scolari’s departure will not affect our performance one bit” – Fernando Meira

Defender says players will remain focussed on tournament

Portugal defender Fernando Meira has admitted that the squad were saddened by the news that coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is to leave the national team to coach Chelsea. However, the Stuttgart captain insisted that it will not affect their performance at Euro 2008.

“His departure leaves us sad, because he has a great relationship with all of us and we like working with him. But he’ll be our boss until 30 June, until the end of the European Championships, so it will not affect us one bit,” stated Meira.

Arriving back at the Hotel Beau-Rivage, in Neuchatel, after a day off granted by Scolari, Meira insisted that the players are 100% focussed on maintaining Portugal’s impressive start to the tournament.

“At this moment we’re only thinking of the Euro and the next match, against Switzerland. Our goal is to do everything to make sure we go as far as possible,” said the centre-back, who earned his 51st international cap in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over the Czech Republic.

No drama

“We’re not going to make a drama out of Scolari leaving for Chelsea. Everything in life has a cycle, it starts and it finishes. Until the end of the Euro this situation will not affect the spirit of the group,” reaffirmed Meira, who added that should Portugal go on to win the competition they could even dedicate the victory to Scolari.

Portugal play Switzerland in their final Group A match on Sunday in Basel with first place already guaranteed.

Scolari is expected to make several changes to the starting line-up as he rests some players and gives others a chance to push for a place in the starting XI.


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