Where José Mourinho blinded with science, Luiz Felipe Scolari simply painted a beautiful picture. As the husband of an artist, he is well acquainted with conjuring impressive images from thin air and Scolari managed to do just that in the rarefied surroundings of the Monte Carlo coastline, convincing Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, that he is the man to make his dream of owning a truly beautiful team a reality.

Scolari has met Abramovich only on one occasion, having been invited on board one of his yachts, Pelorus, at the end of last month, but clearly he made quite an impression, just as Mourinho did on another vessel, Le Grand Bleu, four years ago, albeit in a different way. While Mourinho gave a meticulously prepared presentation, including overhead projectors and a slide show, Scolari simply talked about his love for the beautiful game, demonstrating an acute understanding of the changing nature of Chelsea. Mourinho succeeded in turning an underachieving club into serial winners for the first time, but that is no longer enough. Abramovich is now demanding that they win in style.

It should come as little surprise that he eventually opted for a Brazilian to manage his team, given the romantic background attached to Abramovich's foray into football, with his aides emphasising his sense of wonder at attending Manchester United's 4-3 Champions League win over Real Madrid at Old Trafford five years ago. Most football fans are in thrall to the image of Brazil's football and Abramovich is no different, as Scolari shrewdly realised. On board his boat, Scolari spoke of his relationship with Kaká, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos, whom he led to World Cup success six years ago, players Abramovich has yearned over the years to bring to Stamford Bridge.

Although criticised for defensive football early in his career, the manner of Brazil's triumph changed such preconceptions. Scolari, with his track record beyond question, was asked two key questions in this informal interview, attended by Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, and Eugene Tenenbaum, Abramovich's closest adviser, focusing on his chances of restoring order to the dressing-room and ability to form a strong professional relationship with the owner. Given that he left Romário out of Brazil's 2002 World Cup squad - against the wishes of the Brazilian President - his credentials as a strong leader are not in doubt, as Portugal's players queued up to confirm yesterday.

Eusébio, arguably the greatest player in Portugal's history, also added his eulogy. “I think he is a great coach, in the sense that he understands everything to do with football,” Eusébio said. “But his best quality, to me, is the discipline he has with his players. All the players respect him as a coach. He doesn't go blabbing about them to the newspapers or talking behind their back. Whatever he has to resolve he does internally, man to man. They understand he is very much in charge.”

Scolari's ability to cope with the extremely political nature of life at Chelsea - and willingness to tolerate interference from Abramovich - is less certain, but he certainly made the right noises. Although not an obvious diplomat at the age of 59, Scolari has one distinct advantage, possessing the emotional maturity to get over setbacks that Mourinho so conspicuously lacked. The pair share a similar drive and determination, although Scolari does not appear to be afflicted by the perceived paranoia that soured the Portuguese's final months at the club. More pertinently, he is aware that this is probably his last chance of coaching at a top Champions League club and is unlikely to leave in a fit of pique.

Chelsea were clearly convinced, instructing Jorge Mendes, the football agent, to tie up the deal in a series of meetings at Portugal's training camp in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, this week. The contract is yet to be signed, which, given Scolari's history of performing a spectacular U-turn in rejecting an approach from the FA two years ago, must be a cause for concern, but Chelsea insist that there is nothing to worry about.

Scolari has been around long enough to know that despite dining at the captain's table, he could be thrown overboard at any time, but for £5.5million a year it is a risk worth taking.