The pair have forged a close relationship, with Scolari leading Portugal to the latter stages of the last two major tournaments following his World Cup victory with Brazil in 2002, and while the pressure of success is huge, Eusebio insists Roman Abramovich's manager-in-waiting will do things his way.

"His best quality, to me, is the discipline he has with his players," the 66-year-old said, speaking at Puma House in Vienna. "All the players respect him as a coach.

"They understand he is very much in charge. Look what he did with Romario before the World Cup in 2002.

"This was a player of great skill and a great past but Scolari would not take him. Even the president of Brazil asked him if he would change his mind and he said, 'I'm sorry, I'm the coach of the national team and I have the final word on who comes and who doesn't.'

"And he won. That shows his strength. And that strong character works its way down to the players and gives them confidence."

Eusebio met Scolari on the day Chelsea announced him as their new boss, although the move to Stamford Bridge was not discussed.

And he has no doubt Chelsea have a manager with the qualities needed for success.

"He is a great man and a great coach, with a capital M and a capital C," Eusebio said. "He has done a great job for the national team and I am shocked, I have to be honest.

"I honestly still don't believe that it can be true. In which case I will offer him all the best luck and I am sure I will not be alone on this in Portugal.

"Every Portuguese person respects him and will support what I am saying. What he has done for the national team is amazing."

Eusebio has been a keen spectator at Euro 2008 and feels Portugal have a chance while Cristiano Ronaldo is in such blistering form.

He added: "All I can say right now is that we are on the right track. If we win the quarter-finals then it might be okay to start predicting or wishing for us to win. I have faith."