Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has dispelled the notion that his job security depends on how well they do in the Champions League.

Club football’s ultimate trophy has been the proverbial bridge too far for Chelsea, and it’s conquest is said to have become a real obsession for Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

Scolari, who took over from Portugal during the summer, insists, however, that his predecessors Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant were not sacked as a result of failing to win the competition.

“You don’t know the history. I know why the others were sacked. I could say it in Portuguese because in English it is impossible to say,” said Scolari ahead of their opener against Bordeaux.

“I don’t talk with Roman Abramovich about the Champions League. I talk to him about Chelsea and about all competitions. Particularly competition A, B or C?, never.

“We have to win all competitions, not only this competition. If you say this competition is more important than another I say no.

“This game is important and so is the League Cup and FA Cup. If you ask the players they want to win all of them.

“I won’t say to my players only play for your life in the Champions League. They need to do their best in all competitions, all games and all the training sessions.”

Chelsea were literally one kick away from conquering Europe last May, only for a fateful slip by John Terry, which effectively handed their bitter rivals Manchester United the title.

“I spoke to the players about starting this competition but I don’t speak about losing the final or the penalties. I spoke only positive words,” added Scolari.

“I know Chelsea have tried for many years to win the Champions League. Last season they reached the final and that was fantastic. It is not easy, not just for Chelsea, but for many clubs to reach the final.

“We start to try again but it is a long way and we need to respect the other clubs.”

Scolari admitted, however, that the Champions League is a very big deal for any manager.

“I was a coach in many countries but I think the Champions League is one of the most important competitions of my life,” Scolari said.

“In South America we have the Libertadores Cup. But in Europe we have more clubs and it is stronger than South America because there are more countries that have strong teams.”

Chelsea take on Manchester United in the Premiership this weekend but the Brazilian manager insists that his focus is solely on the next challenge at hand, which is the Champions League opener.

“I must think about Bordeaux,” he added. “I can’t worry about Sunday, I could be dead!”

Ref From Derek Wanner, Goal.com