Chelsea struggling under Mourinho: Grant

LONDON: Avram Grant believes Chelsea had lost its way during the final weeks of Jose Mourinho's reign.

The London club went three matches without a win before Mourinho's dramatic departure last Thursday and Grant, the Portuguese coach's replacement at Stamford Bridge, insists it will take time to repair the damage.

Grant's debut ended in a loss at Manchester United on Sunday and another defeat at Hull in the League Cup third round on Wednesday would leave Chelsea's season in disarray.

But, while the Israeli knows he needs to quickly prove to Chelsea fans that he is a worthy successor to Mourinho, he feels his task hasn't been helped by the state of the team when he took over.

"This season we didn't play so well except one game that was fantastic against Birmingham and twenty minutes against Reading," Grant said.

"We didn't play well, we didn't score enough goals. We need many things to improve and in a short time.

"Before Manchester we didn't win and scored two goals in four games, so it is not the ideal time to take over but I believe in this team.

"We don't have time to work so we need to speak about this. We need to do something to build the style through training. It is a process, it will not come in one day but I know I don't have a long time to find it."

Grant, who had been the club's director of football since July, is confident he can transform Chelsea's fortunes.

He said: "With the base we had before we need to change something and improve the style of the team. I think we can do it with these players.

"We will see even this year in a short time Chelsea will be better than the beginning of the year."

Mourinho will not take kindly to such criticism from a man who was his colleague just days ago. It remains to be seen how the players, several of whom are said to be unconvinced by Grant, react to their new manager's assessment of their performances.

Grant is adamant he has the complete support of the squad and highlighted its determination at Old Trafford after John Obi Mikel was sent off as proof it is happy to play for him.

"I think I have the players' backing but I can only judge them by their actions," he said. "You saw on Sunday their attitude was at a high level. That is important.

"They are very professional with a good attitude. I don't see even one problem until now.

"The situtation has happened and nobody in the club was happy but these things happen.

"When you have 25 players in the squad sometimes it happens that one or two players are not happy. For the moment I didn't see that.

"It is normal for the first days, better than I thought."

Grant takes further comfort from Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Ricardo Carvalho's imminent returns from injury.

Despite suggestions Drogba and Lampard may not be keen to rush back after Mourinho's exit - the duo were their former manager's most trusted lieutenants - Grant insisted both have been completely professional.

"I have to say that I am very happy with the attitude of the injured players," he said. "Didier started training yesterday, one week before we expected.

"Ricardo started training today (Tuesday), also Lampard is doing very well. I expect to see them very soon.

"They want to play as soon as possible and we want them. We need them."

Grant's positivity springs from his desire to lift the mood after Mourinho's acrimonious exit, but even he is furious with the English Football Association after their decision to reject Chelsea's appeal against Mikel's red card on Sunday.

"I am very disappointed and surprised," Grant said. "One of the things I teach my children is that when you do a mistake say it and go on.

"If I do a mistake I will come here and say that. It has happened to all of us.

"The referee made mistakes and the FA could correct it but they didn't do it."

AFP

(China Daily 09/27/2007 page23)