8 July 2006, by Tom Kundert

Scolari keeps Portugal guessing

Brazilian says he will go home and think about his future

Portugal coach Luiz Filipe Scolari yesterday refused to confirm reports in the Portuguese press that he would be leaving his post as national team manager after the World Cup.

“It’s true that against Germany it will be my last match… in this World Cup,” he joked as journalists constantly questioned him about his future plans at yesterday’s press conference on the eve of the Portugal-Germany match in Stuttgart tonight.

“We have time to talk about this. We talked after the group phase and again after the quarter-final. We’re going to see if we can reach an agreement.”

“There is still the possibility of continuing or leaving. But I have a great friendship with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation and I just have to define some things. After this last match I’ll go home and think a while.”

After addressing questions related to Portugal’s final World Cup 2006 match, Scolari was asked again to clarify whether he would like to stay on in his current job, and the Brazilian hinted that it is a tempting proposition.

“I have no reason to leave. From September Portugal will start qualification for Euro 2008 and it’s a challenge that any coach would like to take on.”

Scolari insisted that money would not be an issue in deciding his future. “I’ve had offers from other clubs that are financially more beneficial, but here I gain other things.”

“Money is not everything in life. When I needed it I went after it, earned it and saved it. Now I need sun, sand and beach and Portugal gives me this.”