Luiz Felipe Scolari insists we will not be surprised by Cluj in the same way that Roma were a fortnight ago.

The Romanian champions were shock winners in the Stadio Olimpico after two goals from midfielder Juan Culio, but the manager believes he and his side have done their homework on the team from Transylvania.

Scolari, like some of his players, is familiar with a number of Cluj men, and believes the footballing world is shrinking.

'Every game is very difficult and tomorrow this team are more confident than before because they beat Roma in Rome.

'There are not big surprises, because all teams know all teams, all players. If you ask Petr [Cech, sat next to Scolari] about the players from Cluj he knows the players, there is no surprise in the world, no small teams.

'They they arrive in this competition because they have good players, something different from the other teams in Romania, and they are champions. They need respect,' he stressed.

'We win many games in England now because we respect our opponents and tomorrow is the same, we respect Cluj and we had today a DVD about Cluj, many set plays to show to the players.

'If they win tomorrow it is because they are better than us on the pitch, but not a surprise.'

As a South American who has spent five years based in Portugal, Scolari is likely to recognise at least half of the Cluj squad, which contains a Uruguayan, three Brazilians, four Portuguese and five Argentines.

'I know some Portuguese people that played before when I was in Portugal, some Argentines, Brazilians and Uruguayans. They play a different style from our style in England, they play a South American style,' the 59-year-old confirmed.

'They are young, some players, and want to show the world that Cluj is a big club, that they have thepossibility to transfer to other clubs because they are good players. This is what the players expect tomorrow.

'It is normal for us because we are a fantastic club and the attention of the world is not for Cluj but for Chelsea, but the players know this, and they understand.'

There is currently a flood of money flowing into football in eastern Europe, and when asked whether a side from this region could again claim European glory, like Steaua Bucharest did in 1986, Scolari responded with encouragement.

'It is a big challenge to play against Chelsea, but about money, if they put the money in the club and put the club up and follow an idea for many years, I think it is very good for Romania.

'It is a challenge to put this team in the Champions League, and they arrived. Three or four years ago they were in the second division I think. It is fantastic for this club and for Romania.

'They are thinking and follow the idea, and arrive as far as possible. For this they need to win tomorrow or be second place in this group.

'For the future I don't know but if they continue this situation I think it is one club that many years in the future we listen to. I remember Steaua Bucharest and Rapid, now I need to know Cluj. In the future, maybe more Cluj than the other teams.'

It is a glowing endorsement for a developing power, yet on Wednesday, Scolari will be doing his utmost to maintain the current status quo is maintained.

You can follow the game live on the Matchday Centre, with audio commentary available via Chelsea Plus.

By Andy Jones