Avram talks to Supporters

[Kev123]

Courtesy of http://www.cfcnet.co.uk/content/results ... ws&ID=6761

AVRAM TAKES TIME OUT TO MEET SUPPORTERS

As we sat down and started to discuss the items on the agenda at Sunday’s Fans Forum, we were very surprised to see someone walk in that no-one expected to see there; Avram Grant.

This is the official transcript of the questions put to Avram and the answers he gave. A write up of the Fans Forum and also the official minutes of the rest of the meeting will follow within the next few days.

Club: We had a chat with Avram Grant (AG) on Friday and he kindly agreed to come along to the Forum on a match day for around fifteen minutes to answer any questions. We would request that Forum members wait for the formal minutes to be circulated before any details are released on external media, to ensure accuracy.

This is the first time one of our managers has attended a Forum meeting.

Fans: Thank you for taking the time to come to the Forum today.

AG: My pleasure, please ask any questions. Although I was a very good footballer I was not a great player so I finished at 18. So I come as a supporter. I know what it’s like to be one.

Fans: What is the atmosphere like amongst the players?

AG: It is very good, and has been from the beginning, though they were in shock on the first day. You can be proud of them and their commitment to the team. I know there are stories in the papers but I am on the inside, I didn’t have to speak to them about it. I like to see how they behave, not what is written in the papers, and they are 100% committed to the team. It is said that the Club is bigger than the players and this is true; if the players think like this then they give more.

Fans: There are reports in the media of Drogba being dissatisfied. What can fans expect of him?

AG: You can see how he behaves in training and in matches. He gives 100%, though of course he won’t score in every match. He is fighting well and playing well, being fully committed. It’s not always as it says in the papers. It says from a few years ago that he wants to leave, but I believe that is from his agent and not him. There is no problem with him.

Fans: Was it a shock to you how fast events moved when you were asked to take over?

AG: I haven’t had time to think about it as we had to play Man United straight away. It was a good game, though we had a problem with the referee. You know I have coached since I was 18, but I took over here in the middle of the season. We have tried to do things step by step; trying to win but follow the new style of the team. I think it’s going well, though it could, of course, be better. As a coach or manager you want to have time for preparation, which I didn’t have.

Fans: Are you concerned with losing the African players in January?

AG: Of course; it’s a big problem. I don’t know why the Euros are played in the summer yet the African Cup is played during the season, when they know most top African players play in the European leagues. They are four good players, so this is one of the reasons we have a big squad. Maybe if we find someone good for Chelsea, we will take him in January.

Fans: There have been a lot of changes at the Club recently. What role do you expect the supporters to play?

AG: As I said, I was a supporter originally. Here, you were supporters before I was here, and will be after I leave. They are the main key. You live for the supporters and like them. It’s a love affair; sometimes up and sometimes down. I am very happy with the supporters. The atmosphere at the stadium has been very good. The away game was amazing at Valencia. It was a time when we needed them to support us. You can see how it helped the team…it’s a love affair!

Fans: Can you explain to us how the team of yourself, Steve Clarke and Henk Ten Cate split their responsibilities?

AG: Football has changed a lot in the last ten years and will continue to do so. It will become more personal for each player, to maximise their abilities. I take pleasure not only in winning matches, but in seeing players develop.

You need staff to change the message as well. When I came here I asked for a British coach. We have Steve Clarke who is very, very good. He was quiet in the last few years, but is doing the job very well, and likes the Club very much. I also wanted someone from the European mainland, as many players come from there, and I like the different ideas from there. Of course, I say what style I want.

We also want a top fitness coach. But I won’t take anyone for that who isn’t top quality, and am still looking.

Fans: How do the coaches work together? Are they equal?

AG: Yes, they are equal but each have their roles. I would need over an hour to explain! They both work on the pitch, and know what our tactical targets are. The training methods are part of it.

Fans: Do you have different ways of training with the different coaches?

AG: No, we bring the elements together.

Fans: What would be a successful season for you?

AG: At a big club we want to fight for all the trophies. I know we missed a lot of points at the start and it isn’t easy to chase from there, but we are doing a good job. We may not keep getting points as we have been non-stop recently, but we will be near the top. Then anything is possible.

It’s also important that we have a good base for the style of the team for the future.

Fans: Where would you like to see improvements in the squad?

AG: I am very happy with the squad but you always look to improve. We always look at possible players, such as those who are more creative. It’s not easy to find someone for a top club, and we are demanding on our players. Any player who can improve our squad is considered.

Fans: What do you think the score will be today?

AG: If I knew I would be very rich! One player said it’s a problem to win 6-0 as everyone now expects it all the time!

Fans: If you could have one player free of charge who would it be?

AG: There is no one like this…the players I want are far from being available for free!

Fans: Thanks again for attending.

Club: Maybe we can try and organise it again.

[loz]

Bah - a cheap, and transparent, publicity stunt designed to get the fans on board and have them asking why Jose never bothered. I'll tell you why - Jose was too busy winning football games to bother with trivial matters such as this.

What say you Chippy?

[BLUENUT]

Started reading, gave up 2 3rds of the way thru. This is clearly a PR stunt. He'll be in the shed with Roman at this rate

This bloke just doesn't inspire, I don't really want to hear what he's got to say cos most of the time he tow's the 'party-line'. Try listening to him in an interview without him mentioning the words 'entertaining and style' from a man who clearly lacks stlye, it's entertainingly ironic.

Give the fans what they want? Why not start with a decent manager who never got the job because he's the owners mate. You can't sell me what I don't want, not even you Chippy. (sorry mate )

I'm 100% behind the players (always will be)......they're all that matter in the current climate, not the chairman or his mate the manager I'm afraid.

[Tim]

The problem is that when talking to the press or public, managers are essentially like politicians these days, and trot out cliched or ambiguous answers to almost every question, so interviews like this are simply never going to be interesting.

The above interview is, as others, have said, an excellent example of this beige politician speak, which leaves you wanting to feel enthused, but actually feeling a bit hollow.

It's probably why the press have become so 'inventive' with the way they chose to quote and spin things, because, Jose and the odd barb from Wenger and Fegie aside, noone really says that much that is of any real substance.

[midlandblue]

on the pitch is where it counts, not infront of the camera's

[loz]

it is a no win situation isn't it. For years and years people bang on about the ridiculous money in football, the ugly corporate branding monster that clubs are becoming, the fact that players and staff are hideously removed form the fans and care only for the size of the next contract. Grant gives a 15 minute chat on the fans forum and it is a insipid PR stunt and, after all, who cares about a bridge between the fans and the club, we just care about results.

Well i don't care if it is a PR stunt. I am glad that he has done it and I hope he does it again and carries on doing it. Jose throws his coat to the fans and he is a God, Grant talks to the fans and he is a loser.

Where is that smilie Gem?

[BLUENUT]

Jose threw his coat to the crowd after winning the clubs 1st league title for 50 years, he was accepted by the fans becuase he delivered what we'd only dreamed about, therefore fulfilling out widest dreams.

Avram is being wheeled out to be accepted by the supporters. Why?

Because we don't want him? perhaps.

Well becuase he was the clubs first ever director of football, a necessary post at the time, as someone mentioned, his old job was post was never covered.

Jose was the first manager to ever deliver the title during my lifetime, Avram was our first director of football who's position was never replaced?? Why? Surely if our most sucessful manager EVER needed one, somone who hasn't even got his coaching badge should ?!?!

Jose delivered our 1st title in 50 years, Avram had a job 'made-up' for him and replaced our most sucessful manager ever becuase he is the chairmans mate. That is why the club are trying to 'sell him to us' - Jose sold himself with trophies!

I'm sure if some supporters can already see thru him (or his appointment) other managers can.

[bonetti]

:lol:

it is a no win situation isn't it. For years and years people bang on about the ridiculous money in football, the ugly corporate branding monster that clubs are becoming, the fact that players and staff are hideously removed form the fans and care only for the size of the next contract. Grant gives a 15 minute chat on the fans forum and it is a insipid PR stunt and, after all, who cares about a bridge between the fans and the club, we just care about results.

Well i don't care if it is a PR stunt. I am glad that he has done it and I hope he does it again and carries on doing it. Jose throws his coat to the fans and he is a God, Grant talks to the fans and he is a loser.

Where is that smilie Gem?

There is no point in comparing JM to Grant until AG has come close to matching JMs achievements

[BLUENUT]

:lol:

it is a no win situation isn't it. For years and years people bang on about the ridiculous money in football, the ugly corporate branding monster that clubs are becoming, the fact that players and staff are hideously removed form the fans and care only for the size of the next contract. Grant gives a 15 minute chat on the fans forum and it is a insipid PR stunt and, after all, who cares about a bridge between the fans and the club, we just care about results.

Well i don't care if it is a PR stunt. I am glad that he has done it and I hope he does it again and carries on doing it. Jose throws his coat to the fans and he is a God, Grant talks to the fans and he is a loser.

Where is that smilie Gem?

There is no point in comparing JM to Grant until AG has come close to matching JMs achievements

Well start when he wins the league twice in 2 seasons then

[bonetti]

:lol:

it is a no win situation isn't it. For years and years people bang on about the ridiculous money in football, the ugly corporate branding monster that clubs are becoming, the fact that players and staff are hideously removed form the fans and care only for the size of the next contract. Grant gives a 15 minute chat on the fans forum and it is a insipid PR stunt and, after all, who cares about a bridge between the fans and the club, we just care about results.

Well i don't care if it is a PR stunt. I am glad that he has done it and I hope he does it again and carries on doing it. Jose throws his coat to the fans and he is a God, Grant talks to the fans and he is a loser.

Where is that smilie Gem?

There is no point in comparing JM to Grant until AG has come close to matching JMs achievements

Well start when he wins the league twice in 2 seasons then

Sorry Bluenut - posted that before I had read your post

[BLUENUT]

it's alright mate - I was joking

[Chippy]

Bah - a cheap, and transparent, publicity stunt designed to get the fans on board and have them asking why Jose never bothered. I'll tell you why - Jose was too busy winning football games to bother with trivial matters such as this.

What say you Chippy?

To be honest Loz that was like a breath of fresh air,

not only is he a very handsome man (according to my missus) but he is elequant and forthright,

I truely believe this tells us a lot about the tactical genius that is (Marva the Manager) aka Avram Grant.

Its no wonder he plays this "I know nothing game" and draws attention from his players giving opposition a force sense of security,

he is a master in every sense of the word.

did he perchance have a sociology degree or another such doctrate before he turned his talents to the Beautiful game?

wheres my Avatar?

[loz]

There is no point in comparing JM to Grant until AG has come close to matching JMs achievements

I have to admit that comparison was a bit tongue in cheek - my point being that I am prepared to judge Grant on how he performs in the job whereas for others just the plain fact that he isn't Jose is enough for him to be slated.

[Chippy]

There is no point in comparing JM to Grant until AG has come close to matching JMs achievements

I have to admit that comparison was a bit tongue in cheek - my point being that I am prepared to judge Grant on how he performs in the job whereas for others just the plain fact that he isn't Jose is enough for him to be slated.

You Let me down there mate, I didn't think it was tongue in cheek....I actually was more excited at Avrams little Chat than when that other bloke that used to be here..Er whats his name , chucked his old Jacket away...Why did he do that anyway...bloody attention seeker

[Peeking Duck?]

There is no point in comparing JM to Grant until AG has come close to matching JMs achievements

I have to admit that comparison was a bit tongue in cheek - my point being that I am prepared to judge Grant on how he performs in the job whereas for others just the plain fact that he isn't Jose is enough for him to be slated.

The problem is not so much how the supporters don't rate him or accept him. The problem is clearly the players do not rate him, accept him, or believe he will help their careers or bring them silverware in any way, shape or form. If one single senior player were to come out after a match and sing Avram's praises it would give me hope. Instead, they purposefully dance around mentioning his name and instead mention Clark or even Ten Cate if any of the management are to be mentioned at all. Yes, there have been a couple of well orchestrated press releases backing Grant from JT and Ricky, but it's so tranparent it's a non-starter.

Results or not - if the players rate him and back him(really back him) then I will, too. But if our star players realise there's something rotten in Denmark and jump ship this summer, then I will never forgive him. How many world class players will want to come here if Drogba or Frank leaves? Malouda was not French player of the year for nothing. He's not Sheva MKII and suddenly become pants. He's still a gifted player when he has a reason to play - remember him skinning Rio in the Community Shield? Joe Cole can't be arsed to track back past halfway line, SWP is looking more lost then ever before (and that takes some doing), even Essien appears disinterested and uncommitted.

I guess the best analogy is in the old war movies where the grunts slogging it out in the mud refuse to respond to the officer fresh from war college and doing everything by the book. They know listening to him will get them killed. Instead, they prefer to be lead by a sergeant who has been through it all before and will lead them out the other side. The point is, there are a few good sergeants out there and we don't have to have the kid from Sandhurst.

dear me...such a shame because it's all so unecessary

[Chippy]

The problem is not so much how the supporters don't rate him or accept him. The problem is clearly the players do not rate him, accept him, or believe he will help their careers or bring them silverware in any way, shape or form. If one single senior player were to come out after a match and sing Avram's praises it would give me hope. Instead, they purposefully dance around mentioning his name and instead mention Clark or even Ten Cate if any of the management are to be mentioned at all. Yes, there have been a couple of well orchestrated press releases backing Grant from JT and Ricky, but it's so tranparent it's a non-starter.

It seems here people believe what they want to believe depending on how they look at grant in general, I choose to believe some of the players are happier under Grant and a few maybe not so, each to his/her own, the press releases have been quite believable and I see no reason to doubt their authenticity.

Results or not - if the players rate him and back him(really back him) then I will, too. But if our star players realise there's something rotten in Denmark and jump ship this summer, then I will never forgive him. How many world class players will want to come here if Drogba or Frank leaves? Malouda was not French player of the year for nothing. He's not Sheva MKII and suddenly become pants. He's still a gifted player when he has a reason to play - remember him skinning Rio in the Community Shield? Joe Cole can't be arsed to track back past halfway line, SWP is looking more lost then ever before (and that takes some doing), even Essien appears disinterested and uncommitted.

I doubt too many will jump ship and if they do I for one wont blame Grant for it, I still think players will want to play for Chelsea as we are a great Club with good finacial backing, a good fanbase, great training facilaties and a bright future.

comparing Maloudas Skinning of Rio to his performances since is the same as comparing Shevas Goal against Spuds with his performances, both are talented players and both are not on top of their form.

Joey is playing with a bit more freedom and still does ok defending in my view.

Sweep is an enigma, good but missing something as always.

I guess the best analogy is in the old war movies where the grunts slogging it out in the mud refuse to respond to the officer fresh from war college and doing everything by the book. They know listening to him will get them killed. Instead, they prefer to be lead by a sergeant who has been through it all before and will lead them out the other side. The point is, there are a few good sergeants out there and we don't have to have the kid from Sandhurst.

Dont worry too much, I've seen that movie...

The General finally wins the loyalty of his troops and recruits Ben Afleck and Bruce Willis in the January Window.

dear me...such a shame because it's all so unecessary

Maybe Captain Marval and Sargeant Marva will save the day as the credits roll

[Peeking Duck?]

Dont worry too much, I've seen that movie...

The General finally wins the loyalty of his troops and recruits Ben Afleck and Bruce Willis in the January Window.[/color]

If that's true we are well and truly fecked :(

[BLUENUT]

Chippy, are you Grant's PR man?

[Chippy]

Chippy, are you Grant's PR man?

I wish I was,

I just think he's done ok, not my choice but now he's here and doing ok I give him my support.

he in my eyes is the best Manager we've got, another change this term would send us backwards and we dont yet know if he can do what he is setting out to do,

and so far doing ok at.

Bluenut are you his next door neighbour? is he parking too close to your drive or something?

[BLUENUT]

Chippy, are you Grant's PR man?

I wish I was,

I just think he's done ok, not my choice but now he's here and doing ok I give him my support.

he in my eyes is the best Manager we've got, another change this term would send us backwards and we dont yet know if he can do what he is setting out to do,

and so far doing ok at.

Bluenut are you his next door neighbour? is he parking too close to your drive or something?

He hasn't got a license

[Chippy]

Chippy, are you Grant's PR man?

I wish I was,

I just think he's done ok, not my choice but now he's here and doing ok I give him my support.

he in my eyes is the best Manager we've got, another change this term would send us backwards and we dont yet know if he can do what he is setting out to do,

and so far doing ok at.

Bluenut are you his next door neighbour? is he parking too close to your drive or something?

He hasn't got a license

Course yeah I forgot,

Roman picks him up and drops him to work

[callista]

Started reading, gave up 2 3rds of the way thru. This is clearly a PR stunt. He'll be in the shed with Roman at this rate

This bloke just doesn't inspire, I don't really want to hear what he's got to say cos most of the time he tow's the 'party-line'. Try listening to him in an interview without him mentioning the words 'entertaining and style' from a man who clearly lacks stlye, it's entertainingly ironic.

Don't give up your day job Avram.

Grant sounds as dull in writing as he does on the TV and that's no mean feat.

Obviously someone at the club thought this would be a super idea but as it's about as interesting as a party political broadcast and about as informative.

If I have to hear Grant say one more time after a game about how much more entertaining our football has become no matter what the bloody scoreline may be I'll

Remember BLUENUT he doesn't have to inspire you he has to inspire the players!

As long as he does that (or someone does) then he can be as dull as he likes.

[callista]

Chippy, are you Grant's PR man?

If I'm even getting even a small percentage of his reported new improved salary hell I'll do the job!

[Chippy]

I never noticed this from the Guardian in october but it made me laugh,

How can Avram Grant become popular?

Barney Ronay

The Guardian

Is it time for the backlash against the Avram Grant backlash? Perhaps not quite yet, if the surprisingly lukewarm level of high-fiving directed towards Grant after Chelsea's heroic midweek duffing-up of Valencia is anything to go by. Results alone might not be enough to turn the corner. It looks like only an emergency Premier League makeover can shake Grant's ineffable air of outsiderness. The good news is, fitting in isn't particularly difficult. A few simple steps ought to do it.

Article continues

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Get a "thing"

All managers need a thing. Sam Allardyce has his great, jowly butcher's-block head. Steve Coppell has his air of repeated but quietly born disappointment. Grant needs a deceptively simple mannerism. Perhaps he could make a habit of eating a sandwich or savoury wrap very slowly in the technical area, or affecting a theatrical swoon like Charles Hawtrey in Carry On Again Doctor whenever something exciting happens. Ball cleared off the line: whoops, there he goes again.

Be more handsome

A work in progress: Grant's decision to ditch the nylon leisurewear in favour of a well-cut suit is already paying off, lending him the appearance of a tenacious if initially hostile defence lawyer in a US TV legal sitcom, who later turns out to have a twinkly smile and a heart of gold. Might work even better if he could get hold of some kind of robe or wig or Masonic apron.

Be awestruck by John Terry

Needs to do more of this. Currently Terry performs a vital function, operating as a one-man bulwark against English football's creeping sense of a world staffed with fanny-merchants and swarthy skilful types unsuited to gutsing it out in a trench in Grimsby in February in a hailstorm. Terry makes us feel strong and safe. But still we worry vaguely. Could it be that, somewhere along the line, we're missing the bigger picture? Jose Mourinho knew the form: nothing but praise for JT.

Open a nightclub

Worked for Terry Venables.

Start a pointless public feud

A difficult area as all the best ones have already gone. Grant may have to think outside the box: a gratuitous roughing-up of Chris Hutchings, a vendetta against the third-string football reporter on the East Sheen Gazette. Snub Leyton Orient's youth team coach. Jostle Martha Kearney. Whatever it takes.

Get Michael Palin involved

A popularity nuclear weapon. Perhaps Palin could just stand next to Grant for a bit; they could do some funny voices together, like Prince Charles and the Goons. Ideally you'd want a buddied-up travel documentary series on BBC2, called something like Mick and Av Skateboard the Sahara, or Travels With My Grant: In Search Of The Real Fulham Broadway.

Do a self-deprecatory TV advert

"Hi, I'm Avram Grant. Take it from me, you don't need to be a special one to get cheap, cheap deals on pet insurance". A wink and a cheery wave. Look, there's Avram Grant consolidating all his debts into one low monthly payment. Maybe he's not such a bad guy after all. Actually, best to save this one for after Christmas. When he's a little more, you know, available

I wonder if any of these ideas will help,

about that PR Job Avram

[Liam]

Very funny.