London, Dec 9 : Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has dismissed suggestions that he is cracking under the strain of managing Chelsea by claiming that he feels “zero pressure” compared with his time as coach of Brazil.

Scolari led his country to victory at the 2002 World Cup, but not without enduring some difficult moments along the way, most caused by the huge expectations of a nation that he described as comprising 180 million coaches, The Times reported.

He claims that preparing for this evening’s Champions League tie against CFR Cluj, which Chelsea must win to make sure of their place in the knockout stages, is child’s play by comparison, although such a proclamation is at odds with his recent behaviour.

Scolari has shown signs of anxiety as Chelsea have faltered in the past few weeks, launching an uncharacteristic rant at Mike Dean, the referee, after the home defeat by Arsenal nine days ago and losing patience with the press.

Ray Wilkins, the assistant manager, added to the impression of a man under pressure by saying that Scolari was too tired to face the media after the win away to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

“When Ray says that, it is because I said to him, I am going to see the press and I want to say something different and I need more words to express my words better. It is difficult. I don’t express very well and some newspapers write different to what I think,” Scolari said.

Scolari will have some explaining to do if Chelsea lose this evening, although he appeared philosophical about the prospect of a result that could lead to them being knocked out at the group stage for the first time, The Times said.

Chelsea will go through regardless of their result if Roma win at home to Bordeaux, but they will need to defeat Cluj if the French team triumph at the Olympic Stadium. (ANI)