Scolari named coach of Uzbek side Bunyodkor

Former Brazil, Portugal and Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has been named coach of Bunyodkor, the Uzbek champions said yesterday.

The 60-year-old former World Cup-winning coach, who was sacked by Chelsea in February, has agreed an 18-month contract with the Uzbek side.

"Uzbek football is on an upswing right now while Bunyodkor is a very dynamic club with great potential," Scolari was quoted as saying.

"I know that I am at the right place at the right time."

Scolari, who led Brazil to their fifth world title in 2002, succeeds fellow Brazilian Zico, who led Bunyodkor to the league and cup double and Asian Champions League semi-finals last year before quitting in December to join CSKA Moscow.

Scolari is bringing a team of assistant coaches to the Uzbek capital and will be reunited with midfielder Rivaldo, who was part of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning team.

The fiery coach, usually known as Felipao (Big Phil) in his homeland, said he had been attracted by the chance of helping improve the standards of football in the Central Asian country.

"I made a choice because of a number of details, which are difficult to explain in an interview, but it's basically because of the project which I was offered," said Scolari in an interview with his media advisor released to the press.