Chelsea players question Scolari's tactics; Diarra-Real Madrid bid

The following is a roundup of soccer stories from U.K. newspapers.

Chelsea player unrest

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is facing unrest among his players following a run of only one win in four Premier League matches, the Times said.

Chelsea's players have respect for the former Brazil and Portugal coach, although they are concerned by some of his tactics and substitutions, the newspaper said.

Several asked him to explain his substitutions after a 1-1 home draw against West Ham on Dec. 14 in which Michael Ballack was taken off at halftime instead of Deco, the Times reported. Scolari has been accused of giving Deco preferential treatment, the newspaper said.

Scolari's substitutions in a 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal last month also shocked the players, while John Terry and Frank Lampard approached him two weeks ago to ask for the intensity of training sessions to be increased, the Times added.

Brazil wants Scolari

Scolari may be offered a return as Brazil coach, with Dunga set to be fired following a difficult start to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, according to the Mirror and the Express.

Scolari, who led Brazil to the World Cup title in 2002, has support from the nation's Football Association and topped several newspaper polls in his home country this week, the Express said.

Premier League TV

The Premier League will launch its own television channel if it fails to match the value of the current deal when it opens bidding for 2010 to 2013, the Independent said.

It is currently in the second year of a three-year deal worth 2.7 billion pounds ($4.2 billion), including 1.7 billion for rights in the U.K., the newspaper said.

British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc and Setanta Sports share live coverage in the U.K. and are likely to bid again, while Walt Disney Co.'s ESPN may also be interested, the Independent added.

The newspaper said it conducted a survey of major broadcasters, which found that the Premier League probably won't struggle to match its current TV income, even in a period of economic decline.

Arshavin to move

Zenit St. Petersburg forward Andrei Arshavin wants to join Barcelona, Manchester United or Chelsea after being told he can leave next month, the Sun reported.