It’s normal to have people demanding that we play better. But it’s also normal what we have been seeing in this World Cup — a lot of even matches, no difference between teams with tradition and titles and the rest of the teams and matches being decided on penalties, in final minutes & on mistakes
— Brazil coach Scolari
luiz Felipe Scolari didn’t hesitate when he saw Neymar lying on the ground, his face buried in his hands, crying. The coach calmly walked over, picked him up and embraced him. Brazil had narrowly escaped elimination against Chile. The young Brazil star had just played one of the most difficult games of his life.
Scolari knew he had to be there for him. The same way the coach has been there for everyone else in this young Brazilian team carrying the responsibility of winning the World Cup at home. Players say “Big Phil” has been like a father to them.
“He is a friend, he is like a dad,” Brazil captain Thiago Silva said. “You can always talk to him if you are going through a difficult time. He is the type of coach who will do anything to make you feel better.”
Big Phil has won the players over with the right balance of discipline and support. “He is there to advise, help, praise and reprimand us. He is transparent in what he does and says. We have the liberty to go talk to him whenever we want,” defender luiz said.
After leading Brazil to the 2002 title, the charismatic Scolari was seen as the perfect man to command Brazil in its quest for a sixth trophy. He was a favourite among local media and fans who knew the tournament at home would require someone special in charge. “We don’t see Felipao as a boss,” right back Dani Alves said. “He is our leader. A boss will give you orders, a leader will work with you, stand in front of everything for you.” The Brazilian confederation hired Scolari saying his experience and uncanny motivational skills would be crucial for the Selecao. Silva saw those skills at work before the team’s opening match. He had to choke back tears when he started talking about Scolari in a recent news conference.
“He had some very emotional words for us in the dressing room before the opener,” Silva said. “He is very special to us. He has always been there for us, even when he was going through a difficult moment himself. He will always stay by our side.”
Scolari’s speech had come just two days after the death of his nephew in a car accident ahead of the opener. A few weeks earlier, he had to leave the team’s training to attend the funeral of his brother-in-law.
“He knows how to motivate,” midfielder Ramires said. “He knows exactly what each player needs to hear. He knows when to be tough and when to be supportive.”
Scolari remains outspoken as always. He has a strong character and paces on the sidelines, waving his arms and yelling at players and referees. But he has a side that he keeps to himself. In a news conference, Scolari admitted being insecure at times.
“When I’m with players I can’t show that I’m worried,” Scolari said. “But when I’m alone, analyzing what’s ready and what’s not in the team, I often feel insecure. But I can’t be like that when I’m with them. I have to make sure they remain confident, I have to take some of the pressure off them.”