Avram Grant says he'll eclipse Jose Mourinho

Now hear this: Chelsea boss Avram Grant issues instructions to skipper John Terry and his team-mates during training at Anfield as the club prepare for their third Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool

Simon Johnson|Football Correspondent

13 April 2012

Avram Grant insisted today that he can beat the achievements of Jose Mourinho and lead Chelsea into a Champions League Final.

Mourinho is still revered at Stamford Bridge despite the fact that he fell at the semi-final hurdle twice against Liverpool.

Now Grant has the opportunity to make history and lead Chelsea into their first European Cup Final if they can overcome the same opponents again, starting with tonight's semi-final first leg at Anfield.

Grant said: "I can understand why people keep speaking about what happened in the past two years ago or two months ago but this is not the right time.

"What is more important is that we are facing a Champions League semi-final and we can make history." Grant has been under increasing pressure ahead of the semi-final, with rumours of a possible players' revolt should he stay in charge next season.

But skipper John Terry, who mysteriously stormed off the pitch after Chelsea beat Fenerbahce in the last round, is adamant the whole squad is behind the Israeli and will prove it by beating Liverpool.

He said: "We are totally behind the manager. It is bizarre because since Avram took over, one thing we've done is that if any players are unhappy or have a problem, we've all got together to speak our minds.

"We speak openly and things are sorted out there and then, within the space of 10 minutes. There are no people walking out the door and talking behind each other's backs. So all these suggestions are quite laughable actually. We get in a room, we talk and we solve the problems.

"I wasn't happy after the Fenerbahce game. One reason was because we are now missing Michael Essien who got booked. The second reason was because we didn't shut the game out as I would have liked.

"I was very frustrated. But we spoke about it and it was sorted.

"We are coming here to win the game, we are not coming here to shut up shop. We are coming here to score goals and put the pressure right on Liverpool."

Chelsea's chances of doing just that have been boosted by the return of Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba following hamstring and knee injuries respectively.

MORE ABOUT

Chelsea F.c.

Jose Mourinho

Liverpool FC

Stamford Bridge

Avram Grant says he'll eclipse Jose Mourinho

Read More