Grant sees moment to add style to
Chelsea's substance
Avram Grant spoke of "steady progress" already made and the need to
maintain momentum last night and, if only privately, Chelsea's new
manager will recognise this evening's visit of Schalke 04 as a rare
opportunity. Jose Mourinho's glittering reign in these parts
spluttered to conclusion with a 1-1 draw against Rosenborg in the
Champions League. Five weeks on, his replacement can now use this
competition to prove his own pedigree.
Chelsea under Grant have rather mimicked the grittiness long
expected of Mourinho's side, with the fine victory over Valencia in
their last group game followed up with stifling wins at Bolton and
Middlesbrough in the Premier League. Yet the Israeli has
consistently talked of a desire to "entertain". Only 24,973 fans
witnessed the Portuguese's final selection fail to prevail against
this group's prospective whipping boys from Norway so this evening,
in an arena which sold out last week with ticket prices reduced to
£25 and with a side apparently committed to the cause, there will
be pressure to provide signs of a reinvention.
"We lost two points here against Rosenborg so it's important we
win, but the way we win is also important," said Grant. "It's about
playing good football, too. It's not easy to start coaching when
you don't come in at the beginning of the year but, step by step,
we're doing the right things both on the training pitch and in
games. Any new manager has to show the fans that he can improve
things. That's easier if you win a few games. The season is only a
few months old but we're improving. Now we must play even
better."
