Known for his discipline and iron-will, Phil Scolari's hard-line approach to the glamorous world of modern football is about to send a few shock waves through the millionaires' playground at Stamford Bridge.

Scolari, remember, is the man who refused to take the legendary Romario to the 2002 World Cup despite a public outcry in Brazil. 'Big' Phil was completely unmoved by Romario's tearful appeal on TV and then claimed he was a defensive coach ignoring Brazil's matchless reputation for attacking football.

History proved Scolari right. Brazil, without Romario, beat Germany in the 2002 final and their coach, unknown outside South America, was suddenly one of the hottest properties in world football. That's why he has been handed one of the most challenging jobs in club football.

The 59-year-old Brazilian has a low tolerance threshold and his no-nonsense attitude to football's big names will come as something of a shock in the Chelsea dressing room.

After three weeks searching for a successor to Avram Grant, Roman Abramovich has identified Scolari as the man to spearhead his latest multi-million pound challenge to Manchester United.

After six successful years in charge of Portugal - Euro 2004 finalists and semifinalists in the 2006 World Cup - no one can question Scolari's pedigree on the international stage. But, and it's a big but, he has no experience of club football in Europe and this introduces a significant element of risk to Abramovich's decision.

Although he won South America's Champions League equivalent with two clubs, it was his international reputation that put him top of Brian Barwick's list to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Had the media not been quite so intrusive, it could have been the Brazilian who led England through the last European qualifying campaign.

He would probably have resurrected England's hopes just as he rescued Brazil when he took over in June 2001. Qualification for the 2002 tournament was in serious doubt but he introduced a change of tactics and personnel and built a team of World Cup winners.

Tactically, he has mellowed in Portugal because he was considered a cautious strategist while coaching Brazil. Stopping the opposition has always been central to his philosophy - which is perhaps not what Abramovich (below)wants to hear.

The key figure in his Brazilian teams was the central midfield player, who was encouraged to tackle anything that moved. He has always preferred hard workers with team spirit over creative individuals who show little respect for the team ethic.

Of course, it did help that he had wonderful technicians like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo to work with, and he has been similarly fortunate that his reign in Lisbon coincided with the development of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Even so, fans in Portugal grew increasingly frustrated with his conservative style of play.

He may find Chelsea's supporters similarly demanding. Expectation levels at Stamford Bridge remain high after the success the club enjoyed under Jose Mourinho, so Scolari will be expected to deliver sooner rather than later.