Avram's Blues

Avram: Blue night

Avram Grant is having a hard time endearing himself to the Chelsea faithful at the moment and he seems to be doing an even better job of alienating himself from perhaps a more formidable foe – the baying hacks of the British Press.

Neutrals are scratching their heads at the situation at Stamford Bridge at the moment. Grant has inherited a team of superstars, galvanised them into a realistic title contender and led them to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Chelsea kept the pressure on Manchester United on Thursday night by winning a potential banana skin at Goodison 0-1 against a solid Everton side vying for the fourth Champions League slot.

So despite a minor slip at Stamford Bridge on Monday against Wigan, Grant should be overjoyed by the fact that Chelsea are in the race and if they can turn over Manchester United at home Saturday week it will make for the closest run-in for years.

So when Grant was quizzed by the press in the post match conference he’s clearly livid at something - although he denied it was less about Sky Sports bringing the match forward 48 hours and just a beef with the hacks in general.

When asked if his team were still in the title race he said: ‘I don’t know,’ hmmm, not the best start.

So the rest of the conference went as follows;

A deserved win?
Grant: ‘Yes.’

What pleased you about the display?
‘I’m pleased.’

What pleased you? (long delay)
Grant: ‘I don’t know.’

Do Grant have an issue with the Press?
Grant:’No.’

Is it a relief to win here?
Grant: ‘Yes.’

Are you more satisfied with the performance or the victory?
‘Both.’

The Chelsea fans must believe you are still in the title race, do you have a message for them?
Grant: ‘No.’

You seem less chatty than usual. Is it because of Sky TV moving the game to a Thursday?
Grant: ‘Maybe it’s because of you.’

Is it a protest against newspapers?
Grant: ‘No. Why?’

Is this because of Sky?
Grant: ‘No. Sky is OK. I enjoy watching it.’

Is it easier to say nothing Avram?
Grant: ‘I don’t know.’

Would you not like to gain some positive publicity for the result?
Grant: ‘You can write what you want and I can answer what I want.’

Do you feel under pressure to deliver a trophy?
Grant: ‘No.’

Michael Ballack? ‘Injured.’ What’s his problem?
Grant: ‘Ask the doctor.’

He’s not here Avram.
Grant: ‘Well call him then.’

We thought that last bit was actually quite funny. Maybe we’ll warm to Avram’s ‘dry’ humour in time.

Ex Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was a master of the soundbite and courting the press but his downfall was his lack of friends in high places, despite the adoration of the players and fans.

Grant at the moment seemingly hasn’t got a friend in the world….aside from a certain multi-billionaire Russian oligarch.

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