Grant insists: My Chelsea players proved they are ready to battle for me

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The Israeli's appointment in place of Jose Mourinho prompted concern among senior squad members, and there were fears the club's fighting spirit could be lost.

The negative response has been such that there has even been talk of departures, but Grant found positives in the performance in yesterday's defeat at Manchester United when Chelsea played with 10 men for an hour.

The club will appeal against John Obi Mikel's dismissal for a foul on Patrice Evra, but Grant said: "After what has happened this week, after the three games we didn't win and didn't play so well, the red card and the goal [in extended first-half stoppage time]; the players showed they had a very good, high spirit. The players fought and it was not easy."

Chelsea insist Grant will be given a chance and are confident he will get special dispensation to earn his UEFApro-licence if his experience in Israel cannot be converted into a formal qualification.

Meanwhile, John Terry is set to launch legal action today after been blamed in some quarters for Mourinho's departure. He has reportedly texted the Portuguese to assure him he played no role in the managerial change.