Portsmouth manager Avram Grant has launched a stinging
attack on former club Chelsea, insisting he will never forget the
way they unceremoniously dumped him.
Grant took over from Jose Mourinho in September 2007 and was
handed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge three months later.
Under the Israeli Chelsea lost just two league games, narrowly
missing out on the Barclays Premier League title to Manchester
United, who also beat them in the Champions League final on
penalties.
"If I had been manager at the start of the season and we had
played as well as we had finished the campaign, Chelsea not
Manchester United would have been Premier League champions," Grant
told the Mirror. "And how close were we from winning the Champions
League? A penalty away."
He added: "So I can tell you with total honesty that I
was not happy with the way they treated me in the
end."
"There were a lot of negative things that happened, things I
didn't like and find hard to forget.
"I was very proud of what I achieved at Chelsea but their big
mistake was to take what I did for granted.
"I felt it was important the club had continuity and was looking
towards long-term stability. I always believed that it would be
easier in the second season. But I was never given the chance."
Grant will meet his former club next weekend when Portsmouth
take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
Despite his broadside, Grant claims he still has many friends at
Chelsea, including billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
He added: "I appreciate the owner gave me the chance to manage
and then he offered to make me a director which I declined. I don't
forget that. There were many good things at Chelsea and I still
have a great affection for the club. After Portsmouth beat
Tottenham in the semi-final most of the Chelsea players sent me
text messages."
