Scolari praises 'friend' Geovanni

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari feels his countryman Geovanni will be a crucial player for Hull this season.

The former Brazil national coach was full of praise for the midfielder after Chelsea's 3-0 win at the KC Stadium.

Scolari told BBC Radio Humberside: "I know Geovanni very well because he was my player at Cruzeiro in Brazil.

"He's my friend and for Hull City I think he is one of their best players. He's intelligent and works for the team and shoots for goal."

But the World Cup winning coach would not be drawn on whether his former charge could earn himself a recall to the national team.

"It's not my business," Scolari added.

Geovanni has scored four spectacular goals already this season and drew two good saves out of the Chelsea keeper Petr Cech on Wednesday night.

But Phil Brown's side lost ground on the Premier League leaders Liverpool as a result of the defeat.

Despite running out comfortable winners, Scolari was complimentary about the Premier League newcomers.

"I like this team and it's very difficult to beat them.

"They fight and they have quality and they want to show to some people that Hull City is a big team."

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