Having yesterday discussed CFR Cluj, Luiz Felipe Scolari has also analysed the progress of his own side, in particular Didier Drogba.

The forward is gradually returning to match fitness after four months out carrying a knee injury, and Scolari has urged supporters to be patient as the Ivorian works his way back into form.

'Didier started two games and when he plays more games I am sure he will arrive in the same level he played before, but I need time, Didier needs time, the team needs time because Didier has not played in months, and it is difficult for us, for Didier,' Scolari said.

'The fans must understand he is not 100 per cent ready, and he needs time, more games. Tomorrow maybe and Sunday, [he plays] the games and improves and is better for us. But we need to wait, I expect more from Didier after eight or 10 games, because I know he starts now and does his job well, thinking about control, shooting and passing but he needs more games.'

Scolari's own adaptation has taken far less time than even he may have predicted, with the side unbeaten in eight games since his arrival in England.

Typically modest, he refuses to become caught up in self-promotion, and is fully focused on future aims rather than recent achievements.

'I don't remember most other clubs, but sometimes at clubs before in Gremio and Palmeiras maybe we arrive to 16, 18, 20 games without loss.

'For us it is very good to start in this situation, because until now we have not lost a game, but not lost and not to win trophies is nothing. We need to win and arrive in the final and win the final, but it's very good because when you win the games you have more confidence, more power in the group, you are stronger.

'If we win tomorrow we are in the middle for the second round. I think with 10 points we arrive in the second round. It is very well for us.'