Chelsea are simply the best, raves boss Scolari

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The manager has been amazed by the strong work ethic in the squad since he joined a month ago.

Scolari, who won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and led Portugal to the runners-up spot at Euro 2004, has coached some of the world's top stars.

But the 59-year-old said: "The players have surprised me in one aspect, they are very professional. I've never seen a group of players more professional than the ones at Chelsea. They are brilliant.

"All what the club say or want from them, they are ready. It's different from what I have experienced before."

Scolari's team saved their most impressive result of pre-season for their last game with a 5-0 thrashing of AC Milan yesterday. Nicolas Anelka scored four goals, with Frank Lampard getting the other, to complete a five-game unbeaten run on their tour of Asia.

Scolari insists he is in a good position to decide who will start against Portsmouth on 17 August.

He added: "I have more confidence when I choose my team. I know my players more and the last few weeks has been very important for me.

"I know how the players will react and my choice for the first game is easier because I know more than before. I have two ways of playing now, 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, and when I get a few more players like when Didier Drogba returns I will try another system."

Drogba is still recovering from a knee injury and Scolari fears the striker may be sidelined for the first few matches of the campaign.

"I hope next week Drogba will be ready to start training," said Scolari. "He will probably miss the first two games, but by the third game he'll be ready if there are no more problems."