Premier League

Luiz Felipe Scolari is hoping Chelsea's set-pieces can be their secret weapon as they bid to win the Premier League title.

The Blues are back on the training ground following their Asian tour and Brazilian boss Scolari is putting the finishing touches to preparations for his first season in charge.

He told ChelseaTV: "I need to work more on free-kicks because on the tour I did not have the chance to work with this. Now I want more options for the players, for the team, and this area is my focus."

Former Portugal boss Scolari has completed a month in his new job following Euro 2008 and is happy with the progress he has made in that time.

"Now I have more confidence," he said. "I play four games and I know more my players. These two weeks with the players are very important to me.

"I know very well the players now, their reactions. I have had one month with the players, every day together. Now I have more choice than before."

Scolari also hailed the attitude of his players, adding: "They surprise me in one question - they are very professional. I never saw in my life players more professional than these players. Brilliant."

Despite winning the Premier League title twice under Jose Mourinho, Chelsea were often criticised for a negative style of play.

That continued under Avram Grant last season but in revealing his tactical plans, Scolari implied that may not be the case this season - while the 59-year-old is also likely to prove one of the more colourful Premier League managers.

"(On the tour) I started three games as 4-4-2 and at half-time I changed to 4-3-3 - which was normal for Chelsea before - and I looked for the reaction from the team.

"I will try in the next 10 days one new system for a few moments in each game. But normal for us now is 4-4-2 and 4-3-3. They play not bad and I think this is the situation in the future.

"I am involved with the training and in the games I talk with the players and I talk with the bench.

"It's difficult for me only to look, see and not say something, and they accept this and I think they are receptive."

Chelsea have again strengthened during the summer with full-back Jose Bosingwa and playmaker Deco - who both player under Scolari for Portugal - joining the ranks.

Midfielder Joe Cole, a fixture in the side under Mourinho and Grant, admits the competition for places is fierce - with reports suggesting Real Madrid striker Robinho could be the next player heading for Stamford Bridge.

The England star said: "He's got to choose between a lot of good players. I'm looking forward to the first game and I hope to play a big part this season."