Since becoming the manager of Chelsea last September, Avram Grant has succeeded in returning some semblance of dignity and respect to the Stamford Bridge club which had been all but removed by his narcissistic predecessor. Despite salvaging the wreckage of Chelsea’s early season form, however, Grant continues to be pilloried by the new generation of supporter in West London; those who have solely experienced the bullying, arrogance, moral bankruptcy and hollow glories of the Oligarch Era.Grant could not have faced a more daunting debut than Manchester United at Old Trafford, but following that timid 2-0 defeat he quietly guided his troops into contention for an unlikely quadruple of trophies before elimination at the hands of Tottenham (in the League Cup Final) and Barnsley (FA Cup) switched the focus firmly onto the two major prizes.
Only one Premiership match has been lost since his first game and that came against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium due to a blunder by Petr Cech. The possibility of a trip to Moscow next month to contest the Champions’ League Final remains a firm possibility if Grant can outmanoeuvre Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager, in the semi-final; a task which Jose Mourinho proved so spectacularly incapable of achieving.
Speaking in the aftermath of Manchester United’s thrilling victory over Arsenal yesterday, Grant was quoted making some interesting remarks on the title race in today’s Times newspaper. “It’s been a very difficult year, I don’t know if other clubs could do what we’re doing – the injuries to big players, the African Cup of Nations, all the problems we’ve had and we’re still winning games, ” he said. He is correct in that it has been a troublesome year for the club, but the availability of untold riches lavished on Chelsea’s squad does render the comparison to other clubs as completely irrelevant.
As for the title race, Grant opined that “we deserve it after what we’ve had this year”. Although he is entitled to his own opinion, few will share his sentiments. Are Chelsea deserving of the title because of the attractive, expansive, free-flowing, exciting nature of their play? That box remains firmly unticked. Are Chelsea deserving of the title because of the exhilarating quality and talents displayed by some of the greatest footballers of the present day? That box remains firmly unticked. Are Chelsea deserving of the title because of their outstanding sportsmanship, acceptance of refereeing decisions and general attitude towards their fellow professionals? Best not even go there, agreed Ashley?
Given how he appeared from relative obscurity to become manager of one of Europe’s most prominent club sides, Grant will be all too aware that in football you do not necessarily get what you deserve. You get what you get, irrespective of meritocracy. That said, it would appear that Emile Heskey’s injury-time equaliser for Wigan at Stamford Bridge this evening all but seals another championship for Sir Alex Ferguson’s highly deserving Manchester United team.
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3 comments:
Sorry sir but your argument does not convince me at all.Free flowing football, do you seriously think that with the number of injuries we have had that was a possibility.This team remains a product of the Jose era and to expect change in the middle of the season is nothing short of ludicrous.Real Madrid and Inter Milan have been anything but expansive or entertaining in their respective leagues, but is anyone doubting their credentials.
Fact is that Chelsea have managed to reach this position after appointing a new manager.I do not know what you have against Roman Abramovich as know of the accusations that you have made against him have any proof.What makes this regime arrogant or bullies.Its clear to me personally you are a victim of the media, much of whom were close to the Jose's regime and refuse to give any credit to the current regime off the pitch.No manager who has come in the middle of the season has even come close winning the title in the history of EPL. Credit this team for its courage and winning mentality, instead of rubbishing their title claims.
I agree with the article. Chelsea are dull to watch and injuries are no excuse as every club gets their share at some point, plus Chelsea have ample quality in reserve but choose to play in a "pragmatic" style.
What makes the Abramovich regime arrogant and bullying? Two words, Peter Kenyon!
Thanks for your comments, Varun.
Note that I do not make any accusations against Roman Abramovich, but point out that his period of ownership has been characterised by a number of unsavoury incidents both on and off the field. It is to his credit that he was brave enough to seek a managerial change despite unparalleled successes, as this was the area causing the majority of resentment towards his club and thereby presenting a major obstacle in his ambitions to grow the brand.
I actually praise Grant for a remarkable achievement in keeping Chelsea in the hunt for all four trophies, and for keeping them in the title race until the last few games. As I also allude to, he may even walk off with the ultimate prize for Abramovich in Moscow on May 21.
To suggest, however, that Chelsea are deserving of the title is far-fetched, but again to Grant's credit this is solely down to the outstanding achievements and performances of only one opponent.
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