Posted May 30, 200816 yr Avram Grant insists that internal wrangling is undermining Chelsea's ambitions. The Israeli was relieved of his post as the Blues' boss on Saturday and has now lifted the lid on life at Stamford Bridge. Grant, who succeeded Jose Mourinho at the Premier League club in September, insists that the expectations placed upon him on his arrival in the hot-seat were unrealistic. He also admits that he made attempts to change the public image of the club after his predecessor's incessant spats with rival managers and players had hindered their progress. Atmosphere "When I took over, we set ourselves targets that seemed crazy at the time," Grant told The Sun. "One: Reaching the Champions League final. Clubs with half the budget, such as Liverpool, reached the final a couple of times. "Two: Improving the quality of our game and changing our image. We are living in the era of TV and internet. Chelsea want to be everywhere and therefore must change the quality of play. "Three: Finding a solution to the problems and atmosphere in and surrounding the club. "The club is overshadowed with constant wars as part of its strategy. The coach fights with the owner through the papers, fights with other clubs and other managers. "It is an atmosphere which has not contributed to the club's image. So we had decided on a different path to transform Chelsea to the most attractive and supported club in the world in the next two, three years." Reputation While Grant perhaps achieved little in changing the public persona of the club, his own reputation suffered as a result of his laid-back approach to his work. His character is in sharp contrast to that of Mourniho and many saw his lack of passion as a sign of weakness. However, having led the Blues to a runners-up spot in the league and a UEFA Champions League final he admits that he prefers to do his talking on the field. "I had come for four years and planned with my staff to change the style as well as the way of thinking," he said. "Over the last three months as manager, this plan began taking effect. If we had played at the start of the season how we finished, we'd have won the Championship. "Our progress was gradual but very clear. We reached our peak right on time." SOURCE
May 30, 200816 yr So even the ex-manager thinks the club isn't being run correctly I wonder if he'll give the £5m back
May 30, 200816 yr "Over the last three months as manager, this plan began taking effect. If we had played at the start of the season how we finished, we'd have won the Championship. "Our progress was gradual but very clear. We reached our peak right on time." SOURCE If we hadn't thown away 3 points against Wigan we'd have won the championship. Anyone else seem to remember that this happened during his last 3 months as manager, or is it just me?
May 30, 200816 yr Author "Over the last three months as manager, this plan began taking effect. If we had played at the start of the season how we finished, we'd have won the Championship. "Our progress was gradual but very clear. We reached our peak right on time." SOURCE If we hadn't thown away 3 points against Wigan we'd have won the championship. Anyone else seem to remember that this happened during his last 3 months as manager, or is it just me? Which came first, the Chicken or the egg ?
May 30, 200816 yr Which came first, the Chicken or the egg ? The poor results at the start of the season!
