Avram Grant[Coach]

[Freddy Adu]

Avram Grant's long-term future as Jose Mourinho's successor at Chelsea could be in doubt because he lacks the required coaching licence.
Uefa and Premier League rules require anyone wishing to manage in the top flight to hold the Uefa pro licence.
But Chelsea have confirmed that Grant does not have one, and he now requires special dispensation to manage the club for more than 12 weeks.
The pro licence requires 240 hours of study and usually takes a year to gain.

"We have written to Chelsea to remind them of these requirements regarding these qualifications," said a Premier League spokesman.
In the past the Premier League has granted extensions beyond the 12-week period of grace in a couple of exceptional cases.
Glenn Roeder received an extension on health grounds while Gareth Southgate was deemed to have had restricted opportunities to gain a licence because of his international career.
Martin O'Neill was also granted an exemption after undergoing a five-day refresher course. Grant has not held a manager's position for five years but won league titles when coaching in Israel.

Skysports

[Freddy Adu]

Manchester United will oppose Avram Grant being granted dispensation to manage Chelsea without a Uefa pro licence, BBC Sport understands.

Grant does not have the required licence and has a 12-week period of grace to acquire the qualification.

If he does not Chelsea will have to appeal to the Premier League for special dispensation or replace Grant.

United would oppose any dispensation request, as they did with Glenn Roeder and Gareth Southgate.


Roeder received an extension on health grounds when he took over at Newcastle, while Southgate was deemed to have had restricted opportunities to gain a licence because of his international career after succeeding Steve McClaren at Middlesbrough.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was also granted an exemption after undergoing a five-day refresher course.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who is exempted from having a pro licence because he was already managing in the top flight when the rule was introduced, is understood to be a strong advocate of the qualifications.

Uefa and Premier League rules require anyone wishing to manage in the top flight to hold the Uefa pro licence, which requires 240 hours of study and usually takes a year to gain.

And a Premier League spokesman confirmed: "We have written to Chelsea to remind them of these requirements regarding these qualifications."

Southgate, now in his second season at Boro, said of Grant's situation: "Most of the older coaches were given special dispensation when the rules were first introduced.

"I'm sure Avram has nothing to worry about because he has the backing of his chairman Roman Abramovich."

Grant, who won league titles when coaching in Israel, has not held a club manager's position for five years although he was in charge of the Israeli national side during the qualifying campaigns for Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup finals.

He also holds coaching qualifications from Israel but Uefa is yet to rule on whether it is of an equivalent standing to the pro licence.

BBC

[Freddy Adu]

Grant unimpressed by Mourinho's Chelsea form

Avram Grant claimed in The Sun that Chelsea have only played well in ONE game this season!

The new Blues boss took a swipe at Jose Mourinho by insisting that the style of football now had to improve under his leadership.

Grant has endured a rough time since his move from director of football but chose yesterday to answer some of his critics with some points of his own.

The Israeli said: "This season we haven't played well. Except for the match against Birmingham City and for 20 minutes against Reading.

"The football has not always been good and now we want to make it better.

"That is difficult to do when there are games every three days but we want to change the style that Chelsea play.

"I am not being disrespectful to what has happened before.

"The first two years under Jose were successful and the team did well but after that I'm not sure.

"The base which is there is very good and that is what we will build on.

"We are not talking about taking it from one extreme to another. Just to change the style 20 to 25 per cent."

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea deny Van Basten talk

Chelsea have denied claims they have offered the manager's job to anyone other than Avram Grant amid talk of Marco van Basten joining the club.

Reports on Wednesday suggested the club had spoken to Holland coach van Basten with regards to becoming the long-term successor to Jose Mourinho, who left Stamford Bridge last week.

"Contrary to media reports this morning, Chelsea Football Club totally refute that the job of manager or first team coach has been offered to any individual other than Avram Grant," said a club statement.

"No one at Chelsea FC has been authorised to speak to any individual about the post, either by the board or the owner.

"Also any suggestion that any team plans or arrangements have been changed due to representations from players is also totally false.

"Chelsea is considering its position regarding further action in light of these reports."

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea deliver comfortable win for Grant

Avram Grant enjoyed his first victory as Chelsea manager with tonight's comfortable 4-0 Carling Cup win at Hull City.

Hull managed to hold off a much-changed Chelsea side until the 37th minute when Scott Sinclair struck with a low drive - his first goal for the club.

Salomon Kalou headed in the second just after half-time before Steve Sidwell's swerving strike quickly made it 3-0.

Kalou completed a convincing win by crashing home a drive.

Chelsea's confident display did not stop their fans chanting ex-boss Jose Mourinho's name but Grant will be relieved to have posted his first win in such convincing fashion.

Hull battled manfully throughout but they never really looked capable of an upset.

[Freddy Adu]

Grant delighted as Chelsea players show commitment

Avram Grant was delighted to grab his first win as Chelsea manager in last night's 4-0 Carling Cup win at Hull City.

"I am happy with the performance," said Grant. "We scored four goals. All came from combinations and with movement from the players, so it is a good start.

"I want Chelsea to continue playing that kind of football, but I don't expect it will be like that in a few days' time.

"But I did like the goals that we scored, and I hope we can continue on this basis."

Grant was asked whether he felt it was a performance that proved the Blues are willing to play under him.

But he deflected that by saying: "I want the players to want to play for the club - that's the most important thing.

"Managers come and go. The only thing that always remains are the supporters, but their commitment and my commitment is to the club first of all.

"We saw that the players' commitment was at a very high level for this club.

"It's not been an easy time for them after Sunday's result [losing 2-0 at Manchester United] and what happened last week.

"But they showed a very good attitude."

Hull boss Phil Brown had no complaints with the scoreline, because he appreciated his side were outclassed on the night.

"Grant made seven changes to the team beaten at Old Trafford, yet it was far from a 'weakened' line-up - in particular because there was �60million worth of talent on the bench," he noted.

"It was a lesson in quality.

"They were clinical in front of goal - and while we had chances to get something on the board, their second goal killed us and was quickly followed by the third.

"Chelsea, with their experience and quality, made the pitch big - and it was always going to be a tough night when it got to 3-0.

"The one thing I have learned from this tonight is that their players trust and believe in one another."

[Freddy Adu]

Grant Insists Players Are Committed

A number of players spoke of their disappointment at losing their mentor, but Grant is very happy with their attitude.

The Israeli, speaking after his side defeated League Two side Hull City 4-0 in the Carling Cup, said: "The dressing room is very good, you can see it on the pitch. Off the pitch I believe Chelsea players are 100% committed to the club.

"I want them to be committed to the club, not to me. Tomorrow we will have been together only one week. I am very happy with their attitude.

"The positive reaction started on Sunday against Manchester United and continued again today. It was a good game, an open game, sometimes too open. I'm happy today.

"It's always difficult to play in the cup especially away. The players' attitude is good."

When asked about the absence tonight of owner Roman Abramovich, Grant added: "When Roman Abramovich is here you say he is picking the team, if he is not here you ask why he is not here."

Goal.com - Chelsea - Grant Insists Players Are Committed

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea coach still unlicensed

CHELSEA head coach Avram Grant is set to complete study requirements for his UEFA Pro licence early next year, the Israel Football Association (IFA) said.

"If Grant participates and successfully completes the pro course which is set to begin in February, he will receive his licence approval," the statement said.

European football's governing body is expected to require that from next season coaches of clubs that play in European competitions must hold a Pro licence.

"Grant and nine other Israeli coaches must complete a number of (study) hours the content of which will be determined by UEFA,'' Israeli coaches association chairman Amnon Raz said.

Media reports in Israel said Grant, who met with Israel Football Association chairman Avi Luzon in Tel Aviv today, had received the licence, but the IFA statement later clarified the situation.

Copyright 2007 Premier Media Group Pty Ltd.

[Freddy Adu]

Israel FA confirm Chelsea's Grant to get licence

The Israel FA have declared Chelsea boss Avram Grant will be handed his coaching licence next year.

Grant is set to complete study requirements for his UEFA Pro licence early next year, the Israel Football Association (IFA) said on Sunday.

"If Grant participates and successfully completes the pro course which is set to begin in February, he will receive his licence approval," the statement said.

European soccer's governing body is expected to require that from next season coaches of clubs that play in European competitions must hold a Pro licence.

"Grant and nine other Israeli coaches must complete a number of (study) hours the content of which will be determined by UEFA," Israeli coaches association chairman Amnon Raz told Israeli sports Web site ONE.

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea boss Grant made check on Huntelaar

Chelsea boss Avram Grant was in the stands for Holland's defeat by Romania on Saturday.

It's understood Grant made the trek to check on Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, though the young Dutchman was left on the bench for the game.

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea boss Grant steps up coaching qualifications

Chelsea boss Avram Grant is on track to receiving his coaching qualifications.

Grant will attain qualifications needed to manage in the Premier League during a two-week programme in February and there were claims in Tel Aviv last night that federation chiefs are urging UEFA to grant his licence now.

Grant held lengthy talks with president Avi Luzon yesterday and was told that UEFA had sanctioned an initiative that will lead to around a dozen Israeli coaches attending the course.

[Freddy Adu]

Grant backed for Chelsea success - by Israel PM

On Tuesday Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met Avram Grant, his countryman and the manager of Chelsea.

He also discussed the new Blues boss's prospects with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Olmert, in London for talks with Brown on Iran's disputed nuclear programme and the Middle East peace process, took time out of his schedule to meet up with Grant, former coach of the Israeli national side, at a hotel in the city.

"I was very glad to meet my friend Avram Grant, who is one of the leading coaches in the Premier League," Olmert told a joint press conference in London with Brown.

"Grant knows the team I support are Manchester United and any match Chelsea plays I hope it wins thanks to him, except for matches against Manchester United.

"I'm very happy at his achievements and success."

[Freddy Adu]

Grant: Ten Cate perfect for 'new' Chelsea

Chelsea boss Avram Grant says new assistant Henk ten Cate is the ideal man to transform the team's playing style.

Grant declared: "I can check only by what I see on the pitch. What I see on the pitch from the first game until the last game on Saturday, all the players are fully committed and do everything they can. I don't think anybody can say even one player is not fully committed and that is what is important.

"As I said before it is not easy to start coaching at the start of the year but I think step by step we are doing the right things.

"I have a vision of how I think Chelsea needs to play - entertaining football with results. But to do it, you need to put the right people inside.

"So many people suggested themselves for this job and other jobs at Chelsea but Henk ten Cate is the right man. He is the right man for us and for me.

"We want to win tomorrow because we lost two points in the last game against Rosenborg. I like to do the best for Chelsea and the way of winning is also important. This is our goal - to play good football and win games."

[celery]

Avram grant really hasnt a clue about Football has he!

[christhegull]

Nope. He is a gormless idiot and need's to jump, before he is shoved.

[celery]

Originally Posted by christhegull

Nope. He is a gormless idiot and need's to jump, before he is shoved.

The sooner he leaves the better..

[Freddy Adu]

Grant: Terry Deserves Every Penny
Chelsea manager Avram Grant stood by his captain amid the widely-reported views of a government sports minister over the defenders inflated wage salary.

Gerry Sutcliffe described the rumoured £130,000 a week wage of John Terry as “obscene”, an opinion that Avram Grant utterly rejects.

It was not quite the firebrand reaction of Jose Mourinho, but in his own dry way Grant shot down Sutcliffe’s comments with a stern defence of the England international.

"I think people need to understand how he led the team with full commitment in a very difficult time at Chelsea. For this, he deserves every penny," Grant told reporters.

Sutcliffe had further advised that if football continues on its present route of financial increases across the board, then the average grass-root fan will be priced-out.

Grant, however, said that the salaries should be compared to those of other top sportsmen and women as well as entertainers.

"Everybody likes to speak about the money of football players but why does nobody speak about a singer who gets up to sing for one hour and gets more money than everybody?," he asked.

"Why don't they speak about a very, very talented tennis player in Maria Sharapova who is 20 years old and I think earns more money than any other tennis player?

"This is show business and even if you think it is an easy life, I don't think it is so easy. Players have a very short time to be a professional and if they succeed, they deserve the money."

The Israeli found allies in managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Sven-Goran Erikkson on the debate of Premiership wages.

Ferguson, who splashed over £50 million in the summer on players, also drew comparisons with football and tennis,

"It is very easy to say footballers get paid too much. In some cases, I would not argue with that.

"However, there are also some tennis players who get great sponsorship deals but never win a tournament."

Whilst Manchester City's Sven-Goran Eriksson, who earned a salary estimated at up to four million pounds when he was in charge of England, added his view.

"This question has been asked for about 25 years since I came into professional football," said the Swede.

"I think you have to see a footballer today like an artist, someone who can move you with their performance.

"Football is the biggest sport and I think it is only fair players earn good money as they are finished by the time they are 35."

Unsurprisingly Gordon Taylor, head of the player's union, said he was incredulous at Sutcliffe's statement.

"I don't want to get into knocking anyone else but is the salary of a film star obscene? Are the salaries of some of our top TV stars obscene?

"I am sorry but there are a lot more people around who earn a lot more than John Terry for doing a lot less.

"John Terry's courage and ability is a massive incentive for young children to take up sports, which is what I would have thought the sports minister would be pushing for.

"He should be grateful to John and our other top players for proving to youngsters that if you work hard and you commit yourself the rewards can be fantastic."

Goal.com - Chelsea - Grant: Terry Deserves Every Penny

[Brasil]

Written by: AFP

Chelsea manager Avram Grant has told Steve McClaren that Frank Lampard, seen here in October 2007, should be an essential part of the England team. LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea manager Avram Grant has told Steve McClaren that Frank Lampard should be an essential part of the England team. Grant has been impressed with the way Lampard responded to being dropped by McClaren with a series of dominant displays for the Blues. Lampard was also jeered by England fans unhappy with his international form but he shows no signs of being affected. It is the kind of character that former Israel boss Grant believes should make Lampard a automatic selection for club and country. "I was a national coach and I know that you need players not just with quality but also with character," Grant said. "With Frank and John Terry you can see in games during difficult times how they react and how they fight so it is my opinion that England missed him a lot in Russia. "You cannot say for sure but I know that if he had played the result would have been different. England can win without him but they are better with him." Lampard will hope to regain his place for next Friday's friendly in Austria and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia the following Wednesday, but his Chelsea colleague John Terry will be absent after knee surgery. England captain Terry was desperate to play in the Croatia match, but Grant is adamant he needs to make a full recovery before returning. Terry had aggravated the knee problem while training with his country in Russia last month, just hours after admitting he knew he needed an operation but wanted to play through the pain barrier. "John likes to train and to play every day, 24 hours a day, but he knows his situation. He is not fit at the moment," Grant said. "In two weeks he will be and we need to take care of him because he always risks his body for Chelsea and for the national team and he has had a lot of injuries. This will be the last - I hope. "England will miss him because he is a great defender and a great leader, especially in difficult times, but it was the right decision. "If he was available I would be very happy to see him play for England but he is not."

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea boss Grant withdraws Terry from England reckoning

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has defended his decision to pull John Terry out of the England squad.

Grant told Terry, who is nearing full fitness following minor knee surgery, that he would not be permitted to join the national team unless he has played for his club.

He said: "John would like to play football 24 hours a day if he could, but he is not fit.

"They will miss him as a great defender and a great leader. I spoke with Steve McClaren.

"If John was available I'd have been happy for him to play, but he isn't. It's the right decision."

[Freddy Adu]

Moyes impressed by Chelsea boss Grant

Everton boss Dave Moyes has paid tribute to Avram Grant for the way he has Chelsea playing at the moment.

Moyes' Everton face Chelsea today and the Scot told evertonfc.com: "Avram Grant is doing a very, very good job. Let's be fair he has been left a tremendous squad of players but saying that you still have to win games. You still have to take it on and deal with the players and he has done well with it."

Everton came close to halting Chelsea's undefeated home record in the final game of last season, and Moyes believes the reason it is still intact is clear.

"I think it's the team itself," he said. "They have got fantastic players and people who are capable of winning games on their own; goalscoring midfield players, powerful centre forwards, strong defenders.

"So they have got a very good side and you have to have that if you want to compete as Chelsea have done recently."

[Freddy Adu]

Grant defiant as Carvalho joins Chelsea soccer crocks


Written by: AFP

	Avram Grant has insisted that Chelsea´s bid to get back into the title race will not be derailed by an injury list which has been lengthened to include Ricardo Carvalho, seen here,

LONDON (AFP) - Avram Grant has insisted that Chelsea's bid to get back into the title race will not be derailed by an injury list which has been lengthened to include Ricardo Carvalho.

Chelsea, already without goalkeeper Petr Cech, captain John Terry and Paulo Ferreira, lost the Portuguese centre-back during the first half of their 1-1 draw with Everton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Carvalho was due to have a scan on the back injury, sustained as he challenged Everton forward Ayegbeni Yakubu for a high ball, and, despite his defiant message, Grant knows he can ill afford to be without one half of his first-choice defensive partnership.

The Israeli acknowledged: "We have too many injuries at the moment, and it is not easy to play without key players like Terry and Cech, as well as Paulo Ferreira.

"But this is why we have a big squad. We have players who can come in and replace those who are injured."

Grant's team were denied a fifth consecutive Premier League victory by a superb overhead-kick in the 89th minute by Everton’s Australian midfielder Tim Cahill - a setback that means they now trail champions Manchester United by five points.

Cahill has returned to the Everton team only recently after a foot injury, but he has already scored three times - in the UEFA Cup against Larissa, in the League Cup against Luton, and now in the Premier League to clinch a crucial point for his team.

Didier Drogba had given Chelsea the lead in the 70th minute with a near-post header, and David Moyes, the Everton manager, is well aware of Cahill’s importance to his team.

Cahill signed a new five-year contract with Everton during the summer, and Moyes acknowledged that persuading the Australia star to put pen to paper was one of the finest achievements of his reign at Goodison Park.

Moyes said: "Tim Cahill’s goal showed what he is all about. He is a player who will always score goals.

"It was a fantastic finish, and one which required great athleticism. He has all the qualities needed to be successful when he is near the goal, and he is so crucial for us.

"Persuading Tim to sign a new deal was one of my most important acts as Everton manager - as it was to get midfielder Mikel Arteta and forward Andy Johnson to sign long-term contracts.

"All three of those players will hopefully be with us for years to come. We are building a good group here at Everton."

After taking over from Jose Mourinho in September, Grant vowed to create a Chelsea team that placed more emphasis on attacking flair than that of his predecessor.

They had plenty of chances to score against Everton, but Grant's team found the American goalkeeper Tim Howard in magnificent form, and Drogba - although he scored the goal - was not as ruthless as he usually is.

Grant said: "When a team wants to play attacking football, it is normal that they will try to score the second and third goals after they have scored the first.

"I wasn’t happy with the result against Everton, but I was happy with the football we played."

Drogba's seventh goal of the season was followed by an exuberant celebration from a forward who, only a month ago, had declared his intention to quit the club in search of a new challenge.

Grant revealed that he had yet to hear anything directly from Drogba about his future plans.

"I see Drogba play with a lot of passion, and he scored a good goal today. It is important what he says to me. He didn't say anything to me about leaving."

The upcoming two-week domestic break for internationals gives Chelsea and their Premier League rivals the chance to regroup, and Grant is convinced his team will return in rejuvenated form for their match against bottom side Derby County on November 24.

He said: "I am sure that when we come back, we will quickly start to play the good football that we have managed to play in our recent matches."

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea's Grant: No exit talk from Drogba

Chelsea boss Avram Grant is happy with Didier Drogba after seeing him score in their 1-1 draw with Everton.

Drogba's seventh goal of the season was celebrated in style by the Ivorian - a stark contrast to his mood a month ago when he claimed he wanted to quit the club.

Drogba's comments in a France football magazine sparked controversy, but Grant reveals the forward has yet to say anything to him about leaving the club.

Grant added: "I see Drogba play with a lot of passion, and he scored a good goal. It is important what he says to me. He didn't say anything to me about leaving.

"The only way to deal with this is to say it to me. This is the right way to do things."

[Freddy Adu]

Grant: Chelsea seeking creative signing

Chelsea boss Avram Grant admits he's seeking a playmaker for the January market.

Grant, who is trying to make the team more attractive to watch since he replaced Jose Mourinho in September, has given more freedom to Joe Cole and other attacking players but wants extra creativity.

Barcelona's Ronaldinho has been linked but with four players due to miss more than a month at the African Nations Cup in the New Year, Chelsea are looking elsewhere.

Grant said: "I am very happy with the squad but you look to improve. We always look at possible players, such as those who are more creative."

[Freddy Adu]

Grant accepts having to win over Chelsea fans

Avram Grant accepts he's had to win over Chelsea fans after his appointment.

The Blues boss said: "Israelis always think we are at the centre of the world. But for English people, in terms of football they don't know where we are on the map. This is why it is very natural that they raised their eyebrows in London about me.

"This is the first time a coach from a country which is not a big football nation has come to be a manager at a big club in the Premier League. For the English, it was a little bit surprising. Yet right now, everything is OK. It is very nice here and the people at Chelsea believe in me.

"This is my second year in England, though, so I do know about the Premier League. The first year, at Portsmouth, was very important. I was working at a smaller club and it has developed into one of the Premier League's biggest surprises.

"All my life, I have wanted to coach in this league and everything happened very quickly."

[Freddy Adu]

Grant admits showdown talks with Chelsea duo

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has revealed he's held showdown talks with two of his major players.

Grant is refusing to reveal the players' identities. But he has assured the club's fans that Didier Drogba was NOT involved.

The Ivory Coast striker delivered a bombshell by insisting he was "disgusted" at signing for Chelsea.

But Grant, taking a short break in Israel, said: "I can always test players by the way they act in training and games.

"Didier behaves very well and gives 100 per cent every game. I am happy with him.

"But, sometimes, players come to me and say they are unhappy. Two have done this but it doesn't matter who."

[Freddy Adu]

Cole enjoying life at Grant's Chelsea

Joe Cole is enjoying life at Chelsea under manager Avram Grant.

"A new manager has come in with new ideas, new coaches and a new way of playing and I'm really enjoying it," he told the Sunday Mirror.

"It takes time to adapt but I've tried to take on board everything he's said to me. He wants me to play in a different style and he wants the team to play a more expansive game of football.

"He wants to get more out of the wingers. There's a lot more to come from me. I still have to get into top gear this season, though. I'm just simmering."

[Freddy Adu]

"It was not an easy game, we played against a team that played for their life. We held the ball all the time, the players were patient. We controlled the game totally, the ball was in our control all the time, we were not worried."
- Avram Grant

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea boss Avram Grant on Michael Essien's red card:
"I don't want to criticise referees because they can make mistakes.

"I have a feeling we are easy targets in the way they give us red cards. Since I came here we have had three red cards, two that were absolutely not.

"It was not an easy game, we played against a team that played for their life. We held the ball all the time, the players were patient. We controlled the game totally, the ball was in our control all the time, we were not worried."

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea manager Avram Grant:
"We are keeping an eye on the situation (regarding Didier Drogba) but we don't know yet.

"We will know better in the next few days. We are doing everything with him.

"In the last one or two months he has had a problem but he always pushed to play and is pushing to play even now. If he feels good he will play."

[benfica17]

how sad, chelsea one of the best teams has a coach like this, hahaha