ROMAN ABRAMOVICH will be back at Stamford Bridge for the
first time in six matches today when Chelsea take on Norwich. And
Blues assistant boss Steve Clarke insists the Russian billionaires
presence for the FA Cup fifth-round tie can only lift the
team.
Chelsea owner Abramovich has never spent such a long period away
from the club since taking over in July 2003. And that has prompted
reports of a rift between him and manager Jose Mourinho fuelled
largely by Abramovichs refusal to spend during last months
transfer window.
The club, however, insist Abramovichs absence has been solely due
to business trips. But Clarke admitted: Were looking forward to
seeing him. I dont think there is any question he is not committed
to Chelsea.
Hes proven that since he took over the mantle from Ken Bates, he
doesnt have to prove anything. Its good when you see him in and
around the team. Hes comfortable and enjoys being with them. Itll
be good for the atmosphere that hes back.
Clarkes own position looked under threat earlier this year amid
reports that Abramovich wanted to bring in pal Avram Grant as a
coach from Portsmouth. And Clarke, who helped Chelsea lift the FA
Cup in 1997 at Wembley as a player, is still to sign a new
contract. But he insisted: Its not been difficult with
speculation about other coaches being brought in.
I focus on my job. Ive been here for 18 years and see no reason
why they should want to get rid of me. I sleep well at night and
look forward to the next day at work. When Jose came in, I stepped
up to work with the first team. They offered me a contract and I
asked to sign for three years.
Im contracted to Chelsea until the end of the season. The club
want to renew it and we will sit down and renew it. We have spoken
about it. Clarke, though, made no secret of his desire to go into
management himself one day and todays clash at Stamford Bridge
will pit him against a managerial new boy, Norwich boss Peter
Grant.
Grant moved from being No 2 at West Ham to taking over the Canaries
earlier this season.
This guy got future... he knows how to
carry the boss... 