Big Phil facing player revolt

Last updated : 17 December 2008 By Paul Lagan

Big Phil Scolari is facing a mini-player revolt if word coming out of Stamford Bridge is to be believed.

Chelsea have struggled at home all season, dropping 14 points already in the league.
Scolari is under increasing pressure from several senior players to explain some of his decisions - in particular some of his substitutions.
The defeat against Arsenal caused a "heated debate" in the changing room afterwards with several players accusing each other of not performing to the best of their abilities.
Then the home draw against West Ham sparked more arguments which led to some questioning the authority of Scolari by demanding to know the reasons for his substitutions.

In the West Ham match Michael Ballack was replaced at half-time by Didier Drogba, Joe Cole left the field for Salomon Kalou on 74 minutes and Juliano Belletti replaced Mikel 10 minutes from time.
Chelsea were one-nil down at half-time to a Craig Bellamy strike but Nicolas Anelka salvaged a point in the second-half.
Chelsea's squad consists of internationals, many of whom are captains of their national sides.
It's inevitable that discussions will take place amongst the players as to the best way forward and how to improve their home results.
It's believed that part of those discussions relate to tactics, team selection and formation changes resulting from substitutions.
All these talks can be viewed as a veiled attack on Scolari's authority.
It remains to be seen how serious these attacks are and what the result will be.
Scolari will have little if any cash in the January transfer window to get the player he wants who "can make the difference"
He might need to shift a player or two.
He might decide to shift a player who is causing a disruption to Chelsea renowned "team spirit".

Chelsea are away to Everton on Monday night.