Frank Cunha
Nov 8 2002, 05:23 AM
Scolari leaves door open for Portugal approach
RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov 7 (AFP) - Brazil's World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has not been approached about becoming Portugal coach yet but he would be prepared to talk terms, his agent said on Wednesday.
Portugal's football federation said this week it had been authorised to hire a foreigner to revive the fortunes of the national team after a disappointing World Cup performance in South Korea which cost Antonio Oliveira his job.
Press reports said Scolari, who stepped down after landing Brazil's fifth World Cup this year, was Portugal's top target but his agent Acaz Fellenger said no approach had yet been made.
"For the moment we haven't had any contact from the Portuguese federation," said Fellenger. "If they did get in touch then there is a possibility of talks."
Scolari, who turns 54 on Saturday, said this week he would prefer to stay in Brazil and coach a club.
"I've decided I would prefer to work in Brazil at the start of next year, for a club on a contract of at least two years.
"I'll only change my mind if an unexpected opportunity arises in the next ten days. But I don't think that will happen," he said.
Scolari, nicknamed Big Phil, has received an offer to coach the Mexican national team and press reports say he has also been approached by the Italian and Uruguayan national teams.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov 7 (AFP) - Brazil's World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has not been approached about becoming Portugal coach yet but he would be prepared to talk terms, his agent said on Wednesday.
Portugal's football federation said this week it had been authorised to hire a foreigner to revive the fortunes of the national team after a disappointing World Cup performance in South Korea which cost Antonio Oliveira his job.
Press reports said Scolari, who stepped down after landing Brazil's fifth World Cup this year, was Portugal's top target but his agent Acaz Fellenger said no approach had yet been made.
"For the moment we haven't had any contact from the Portuguese federation," said Fellenger. "If they did get in touch then there is a possibility of talks."
Scolari, who turns 54 on Saturday, said this week he would prefer to stay in Brazil and coach a club.
"I've decided I would prefer to work in Brazil at the start of next year, for a club on a contract of at least two years.
"I'll only change my mind if an unexpected opportunity arises in the next ten days. But I don't think that will happen," he said.
Scolari, nicknamed Big Phil, has received an offer to coach the Mexican national team and press reports say he has also been approached by the Italian and Uruguayan national teams.