Former England boss Terry Venables says that while Manchester United might be favourites it is impossible to write Chelsea off in this season’s title race. The same goes for Avram Grant, who, although under pressure, is still in with a chance of delivering the Blues a first ever league and European double.
“Just like his team, the Chelsea boss has developed the ability to grind out results in the most difficult of circumstances,” explained Venables, writing in The Sun.
“Thursday night?s 1-0 win at Everton was a magnificent response to all the flak which had come his way in the build-up to the game.
Pressure Still On Amazing United
“Now Chelsea prepare for the biggest week of their season with a realistic prospect of winning the league AND the Champions League. In any other season, this magnificent Manchester United side would have walked the title race,” added the former Barcelona coach, reminding fans of Chelsea’s plight at the time of the Israeli’s appointment in September.
“I think it?s about time Grant was given some credit for that. Arsenal and Liverpool have not been able to live with United?s blistering pace yet no one is seriously suggesting they should sack their manager. Yet Grant?s neck is supposed to be on the block even though this could turn out to be the greatest season in the club?s history.
Second Guessing Abramovich
“It is impossible to predict what will happen at Chelsea this summer because no one knows Roman Abramovich or what he is thinking. But it?s a safe bet that he got rid of José Mourinho because he wanted more exciting football for his money and that has not really happened under Grant.
“Chelsea are still playing a functional, winning game. Unfortunately for Grant, it is not enough for many Chelsea fans who have been spoiled by recent successes and now expect their club to be on a par with United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and AC Milan. What Grant does not have is the charisma of his predecessor and that could be the reason he has never been fully accepted by the fans and the media.
Slow And Steady
“Grant has come in and steered a much steadier course,” Venables added, comparing the Israeli’s media approach with that of Mourinho. “He hasn?t argued with anyone, he hasn?t fallen out with referees and his press conferences haven?t produced many headlines. But that?s still not enough for some people. They want sparks, they want goals, they want trophies . . . they want everything.
Fickle Fans
“I was at Stamford Bridge when Grant was booed off at half-time against Arsenal. Then, in the second half, he made a couple of tactical changes, Chelsea won 2-1 and suddenly everyone loved him. That?s how ludicrous the situation at Chelsea has become. The supporters change their mind about the manager from minute to minute.
“Right now, there is nothing Avram can do to alter that. He doesn?t need me to tell him that. He knows it already.mAll he can do is get his team absolutely right for Tuesday?s Champions League semi-final at Liverpool and the league game at home to Manchester United next Saturday. If Chelsea can win both of those matches, their possibilities will be endless.
“There is a fair chance he will be replaced in the summer,” Venables concluded. “But even if the axe does fall, he will still be able to look back at his season in charge and say ?I did a good job?.”
Graeme Waterford, Goal.com
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