Chelsea struggle as they fail to get Scolari's message

If Luiz Felipe Scolari was prepared to berate his Chelsea players after the Champions League thrashing of Bordeaux last week, it is easy to think the Blues boss could be apoplectic today when assessing this draw with Manchester United.

The Brazilian admits his side have "many problems" as they attempt to overhaul United both in the Premier League and in Europe but perhaps the most prevalent issue is the approach he demands.

Although their spirit was faultless and they had more than enough chances to win yesterday - Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka clearly missed shooting practice last week - this was a disjointed display that lacked direction and fluency.

Losing Deco in the warm-up, coupled with Michael Essien's long-term absence, stripped Chelsea of their midfield cohesion.

The two sides met yesterday for the first time since the Champions League Final four months ago and it was noticeable that United were not overrun in midfield as they had been for much of the second half in Moscow,

This is in no small part due to Scolari's new approach. "I try and work with the players, tell them what I want," he explained. "They have a good spirit and are a beautiful team because we have played 11 games, won eight and drawn three.

"We are second in the League and have made a good start in the Champions League. I have many problems in terms of injuries and I have to change the team but that is my job."

Changing the philosophy of the team is difficult on its own but even more so when it goes against the inherent nature of the division in which you play.

Scolari's Portugal and Brazil teams were not renowned for playing at a high tempo: Brazil are often regarded as the best football team in the world because they use their technical superiority and creativeness to unravel opponents.

Indeed, Portugal's penchant for an extra pass is reminiscent of the more frustrating side of Arsenal's intricate play and a chief reason why they came up short at Euro 2008.

But Brazil won the World Cup in 2002 with the same ideals and in this philosophy, possession is key, simply because you need the ball to allow your flair players to express themselves.

Scolari wrote in yesterday's programme: "Our 4-0 win against Bordeaux was a good result for us to begin our Champions League campaign. It was important for us to win well but we have also to learn some things from this game about controlling possession when we are ahead."

On yesterday's evidence, Chelsea need to learn Scolari's lesson throughout the game, not just when they are ahead.

United were largely good value for their lead - Ji-Sung Park struck in the 18th minute - and for the most part showed the greater maturity.

However, they gifted Chelsea the equaliser 11 minutes from time when Salomon Kalou capitalised on some appalling marking to head past Tomasz Kuszczak.

Once the goal came, the crowd were up and Chelsea charged forward, much to the displeasure of their manager.

Goalkeeper Cech had claimed a United cross and bowled the ball out at pace to full-back Jose Bosingwa, who galloped forward looking to convert defence into attack as quickly as possible.

But Scolari, who spent nearly the entire match standing on the touchline barking instruction, castigated his expensive new full-back, pleading for his side to calm down and keep the ball.

It was a curious instruction, at odds with the aggressive 'now go and win' mood the equaliser had brought about in the stadium.

They may not yet fully understand his tactics, but Chelsea's effort could not be questioned.

Scolari said: "They have a fantastic spirit. I said before the game, Ballack had maybe 45 minutes in him and Didier Drogba 45 minutes. But Ballack played 70 minutes because of his spirit and he wants to win. He gave more than I expected. That is the spirit I want and that we have."

Although Scolari has historically favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation, his side lined up 4-1-4-1 yesterday before switching to allow Anelka and Drogba to play in tandem up front.

The 59-year-old said: "I have tried them together in the last two weeks of training, today I needed it.

"They are starting to play together - it is difficult when you are starting. They only played a couple of games together last season."

Seven United players were booked yesterday and Scolari suggested Sir Alex Ferguson's side did not give referee Mike Riley the deference he deserved.

He added: "I am not surprised [so many players were booked]. The referee is there for this. If players do not respect him, it should be yellow and red cards. It doesn't matter who you are - Liverpool or Manchester United, whoever."

But Scolari's principal concern will be instilling a patience and a desire to retain possession rather than chase a game in high-octane, pulsating encounters like this.

The sheer quality of Chelsea's squad will render this dichotomy irrelevant against most teams but it may prove decisive against the very best.

After all, this was the new manager's first major test since succeeding Avram Grant and they nearly blew it.

Welcome to the Premier League, Mr Scolari.