Scolari: Wenger's a big pal - video
Updated on 28 November 2008
Luiz Felipe Scolari says he is relishing the prospect of coming up against his "big friend" Arsene Wenger on Sunday.
Chelsea meet Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this weekend, and Scolari believes the Gunners are still title challengers despite a recent run of poor results.
He said: "I like this game, I think Arsene likes this game.
"It is the first time that I play against a man that I like very much. He's been my friend for 10-12 years, since we met in Japan.
"We are big friends. He is one of the top five coaches in the world.
"His team plays beautiful football, and they are very difficult to play against. Particularly in these big games as they play even better.
"It is one of the best games in the Premier League."
He believes Arsenal are still in the title race; despite being ten points adrift of Chelsea: "In the English league you never know, it is too early to say."
He said that as far as he was aware striker Didier Drogba was "happy" at the club, and he had no knowledge of any alleged meeting with Inter Milan.
He added that his vow to quit Chelsea if the club did not qualify for the next stage of the Champions League was just a joke, saying: "People have to understand when I am joking. I am very happy here and I want to stay for two years."
