Scolari: We'd cope without Robinho

1:38pm Saturday 30th August 2008

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is convinced his side can succeed this season even if Robinho cannot be prised from Real Madrid.

The Brazilian, who takes charge of his first London derby on Sunday when Tottenham are the visitors, knows time is running out for the 24-year-old forward to beat the transfer deadline.

Scolari said: "If he's not here, I have my players. He's one more important player - quality, velocity, many things - but I have very, very good players here."

The former Portugal manager admitted he wanted to sign two more players following the departures of Andriy Shevchenko and Shaun Wright-Phillips and that Robinho had long been his number one target.

But he insisted it would not be a disaster should chief executive Peter Kenyon fail to strike a deal for the Brazil international before Tuesday.

He added: "If Peter doesn't buy Robinho, I have 23 who are here, training and playing. If we want one more player with quality, Peter tries to buy him. If he doesn't come, he doesn't come. I have players for that position, no problem."

Spurs will make the short journey across London in search of their first point of the season, a sharp contrast to Chelsea's 100% record after two games.

And the omens were not good for Juande Ramos' side as Scolari boasted an excellent track record in derbies.

He said: "In the past I have 70% wins in derbies - and almost 50% of derbies end as draws. I am different to other coaches.

"But although a derby, for me, is important, points are more important than derbies. I need points to win a Premier League or a Champions League. If I'm thinking only about beating this team because it's a derby, then lose one or two games to other teams, the derby isn't important."

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