There’s a joke, more of a silly theory, that’s done the rounds among some of those in the so-called “Golden Circle” close to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich ever since the club drew Liverpool – again – in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
When Jose Mourinho was manager, or so it goes, his battles with the equally astute, detailed and prepared Rafael Benitez often got bogged down in tactics. And as the Liverpool boss appeared to have the Indian sign over Mourinho, he was capable of out-manoeuvring the Special One.
Now Chelsea have Avram Grant who, the theory goes on, because he doesn’t appear to have much of a clue about tactics – and indeed sometimes appears not to know what he’s doing at all with his formation changes and substitutions – may just out-fox Benitez. After all, if you don’t know what your doing, then how can your opponent know either?
The story is repeated not to have a cheap shot at Grant – although I’ve been accused of that before – but to show the plummeting regard that he is now held in by some of those who have rare access to Abramovich. It also, however, may not just be a joke. It could just be that Grant is able to ghost his way to the Champions League final the same way he ghosted his way into Mourinho’s job. But make no mistake. If he does it will be because of the work done by his predecessor. And Grant’s legendary luck.
He has done little to alter the plans laid down by Mourinho. In some ways, why should he? If it ain’t broke. But Abramovich thought it was, to some extent, broke. He wanted attacking football, he wanted excitement, he wanted the drama to come on the pitch and not off it as happened so often with Mourinho who he had grown tired of. Grant said he could deliver this. And this season. He also said, rightly, there would be slips along the way as he was working with players, albeit some great ones, not conditioned to delivering what their master wants.
Grant has now pleaded for more time, and the summer, to spend big and overhaul what he inherited. It appears increasingly unlikely that he will be given that time. I’m convinced the decision has been taken to replace him. It was probably taken after the defeat in the FA Cup away to Barnsley which was one, ironically, that can be blamed more on the players than the manager. But maybe it also showed there isn’t the degree of respect towards him that a club with the resources of Chelsea needs. Still, crazily, he could still bring home the European Cup although, as Benitez has jibed again this weekend, that may have more to do with Mourinho and Abramovich who, most certainly does know what he’s doing.
(Picture: Getty Images)
spot on. so c'mon the blues!
Posted by: maxxo | 21 April 2008 at 04:55 PM
Average Cant is a mug. Abramovich has indulged in excessive egotism, and it reflects very badly on his (already dubious) character, appointing his friend in charge so he can pull all the strings. He has disrespected each and every Chelsea fan. The ghost of Mourinho will haunt him for years to come. Some muppets say Grant didn't covet the job. Of course he did. That's why he sat behind Mourinho in the dugout. Is that normal behaviour for a Director of Football...? No. End of discussion.
Last game of the season, against Bolton, Mr Cant will find out what Chelsea fans really think. Abramovich is unused to opposition, hence the reason he fell-out with Mourinho, over the misguided purchases of Ballack and Shevchenko. Now the fans will show their opposition. Those that don't are lily-livered, and probably vote Lib-Dem. They have no fire in their belly. They'll only realise the disastrous consequences of Roman's flight of fancy when it's too late.
Thank god some of us have enough foresight and care about the club enough to voice our disapproval. A minority of Chelsea fans buy into everything the club spout, like cannon fodder. Against Bolton, they will see the extent to which they are outnumbered.
Most die-hard Chelsea fans are totally indifferent to this season, and some even want us to lose, to hasten Mr Cant's departure. The atmosphere at the Bridge is poisonous, even when we win. I have never known anything like it.
Slowly but surely, Mourinho's legacy is being ruined by a manager totally out of his depth, with absolutely no credentials for the job, other than being a friend of the boss, and being rather slippery.
On yer bike, Cant.
Posted by: Trevor Russell | 21 April 2008 at 07:33 PM
There's an entry in Douglas Adams' "Meaning of Liff" that seems pretty apt here. I can't remember what the word was, but the definition went thusly:
"To beat an expert at his game of choice by playing so appallingly badly that none of his clever techniques or tactics are of any use to him."
Having said that, I'm a lifelong Chelsea fan and there's plenty in Trevor Russell's rant above that I don't agree with. I've never once booed a **** player - neither Fleck, nor Jokanovic, nor any of the other hopeless cases we've had over the years - and I'm not starting now. Die-hard Chelsea fan? Spoilt brat, more like.
Posted by: Rob | 22 April 2008 at 11:48 AM
As you can see from Rob's rant above, he struggles with basic comprehension. No-one suggested booing the players, but making our feelings known in the last game of the season, regarding the managerial appointment, just as we did in Hoddle's last game, against Blackburn, ensuring Bates chose Ruud ahead of George Graham. Unfortunately, Robs sees fit to attack his fellow fans for expressing an opinion and venting their feelings, which shows just what sort of a "fan" and a person he is. Suffice to say, he probably sits in the posh seats, if he goes at all, which I doubt. I'm surprised he can remember as far back as Fleck. He's probably bluffing.
Posted by: Trevor Russell | 22 April 2008 at 03:33 PM
Booing individual players either out of form or out of their depth is indeed unlikely to do anyone any good. However Rob, Trevor does not advocate this , only that being a "true" fan does not obligate anybody to suffer in silence whilst Grant bluffs his way through game's with a group of players as uninspired by his insulting "appointment" as the supporters are.
To do so only gives mandate to Roman's current version of the "Emperors New Clothes".
Posted by: Kevin | 22 April 2008 at 06:44 PM
why wont you shut da *** up!?!?
does it really bother you as a chelsea fan that grant is doing better than mourinhio ? its your team, rejoice!
grant is making u all eat your hats, dont forget the salt and pepper
stupid british nation with stupid ugly cunts
everything in england is amature
from the reporters to the fans
bunch of **** idiots
Posted by: assaf | 23 April 2008 at 06:14 PM
Grant isn't the right man for the job but he'l keep it considering Chelsea have reached the champions league final and nearly won the premiership. I think he sould get sacked because his rubbish and is only taking credit of musinjos work. Bring in Frank Riijkard.
Posted by: Manchester United Credit Card | 14 May 2008 at 09:34 PM