Grim for Grant as Blues manager loses the plot after lack of backing from Chelsea hierarchy

The Israeli has lost patience with certain sections of the media and he could deliver an even more obtuse performance at Anfield on Monday prior to the first leg of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool the following night.

But Grant's frustration is also being fuelled by Chelsea's failure to offer him the protection and support his record this season deserves.

Chelsea reject the accusation, insisting that Grant knows he has the backing of owner Roman Abramovich and chief executive Peter Kenyon.

But Bruce Buck, the Chelsea chairman, refused to give his full support to his manager earlier this month and when Grant took his own steps to improve his public image — by turning to former newspaper editor Phil Hall for guidance — the move was not warmly received by club officials.

Now Grant wonders if he has to win either the Champions League or the Barclays Premier League to survive.

Even then it may not be enough because the players, Grant suspects, are getting more credit than he is.

According to sources yesterday, the best Grant can now hope for is a return to his former role as director of football after what could be a total clear-out of the coaching staff.

Steve Clarke's future already appears to be elsewhere and Henk Ten Cate may not remain at the club unless Frank Rijkaard is appointed as manager.

Grant has been angered by Chelsea's very obvious reluctance to kill speculation — not least when questions were put to Buck 10 days ago.

Asked whether Grant would still be Chelsea manager next season, Buck said: "I think it is a 'yes or no' question and I'm not going to give you a 'yes or no' answer.

"We thought that when you change managers, you have to have some re-building. So we are unbelievably happy that we are here, where we are now.

"Having said that, and don't take this the wrong way, every manager at every club is judged by results."

Given Grant's record since succeeding Jose Mourinho last September, he feels he deserves more recognition not only from the media but from the club.

Grant has at least been boosted by the news that Michael Ballack is expected to recover from a hamstring strain in time to face Liverpool.

Didier Drogba may also be fit, having had fluid drained off his left knee. Frank Lampard remains a doubt, however. He has not trained since dashing away before Chelsea's Monday draw against Wigan to be at the bedside of his mother Pat who is seriously ill in hospital, suffering from pneumonia.

Should Lampard be out, Chelsea face being short of numbers in midfield with Michael Essien suspended.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are understood to be pressing on with summer recruitment despite Grant's uncertain status.

Napoli's goalscoring Slovakia international midfielder Marek Hamsik, 20, and youth team winger Umberto Varriale, 17, have been scouted.