RAY Wilkins suggested Luiz Felipe Scolari was “extremely tired” when he ducked the press conference after Chelsea’s win at the Reebok on Saturday.

But those who know the tempestuous Brazilian suggest it was more a case of the Blues’ boss showing his true colours when he sent his assistant to speak on his behalf.

When he first arrived at Stamford Bridge, Scolari came across as moderate, mild-mannered and affable.

No way would he be goaded into criticising referees and any suggestion that he was out of step with the Chelsea hierarchy were politely dismissed.

But the mask slipped last week when he launched a bitter attack on Mike Dean after Chelsea’s home defeat by Arsenal and there have been increasing rumours that he is at odds with the Chelsea board over the club’s spending plans for January.

That’s more like the man whose fiery temperament helped him forge his reputation as one of the world’s greatest international managers.

If we’re finally seeing the real Luiz Felipe Scolari then the Premiership, which has been fairly dull so far this season, might just start to get a bit spicy.