Weather Tonight: 4°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 8°c Cloudy

Sport

John Terry
Jumping for joy: John Terry celebrates as Chelsea book their place in the Champions League Final
John Terry Avram Grant Frank Lampard

As Chelsea make history, Terry backs Grant to keep his job

Simon Johnson, Football Correspondent
1 May 2008


John Terry today insisted Avram Grant has to remain Chelsea manager now he has taken the club to the Champions League Final for the first time in their history.

The Blues beat Liverpool 3-2 in the semi-final second leg to secure a 4-3 win on aggregate and ensure Grant has succeeded where predecessor Jose Mourinho failed.

The Israeli has been the subject of constant speculation that he will be fired if he does not win the Premier or Champions League this season.

But when asked if Grant has already done enough to keep his job by booking Chelsea's place in the final against Manchester United in Moscow, Terry said: "I would have thought so. It's for the club to make that decision, but things have been very good and results don't lie.

"To get to where we are and to still question the manager's role at the club is unbelievable. You look at the League table since the manager has taken over and he's been very good. All we can do once we're out there and once the manager is in charge, is our best. That's what we've done to get to the Champions League Final.

"I think he deserves respect. The club has never got to a Champions League Final before."

But one man who knows that respect is no guarantee of job security at Chelsea is Mourinho's predecessor Claudio Ranieri, who fears Grant will be sacked unless his side actually win in Moscow.

Ranieri was sacked in 2004 after his side were beaten by Monaco in the Champions League semi-final and while goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard put Chelsea into the final, he is unsure that owner Roman Abramovich will be happy with just that.

"I think Grant deserved this victory," the Italian told BBC Radio Five Live.

However, asked what will happen if Chelsea fail to win in the final, the Italian said: "This is a difficult answer but I think if Grant doesn't win, I think he's finished in the job.

"I think if Grant wins something, then okay, maybe he'll continue, but if not ... I don't know the mind of Roman Abramovich, it's very difficult to know what he thinks.

"It is the first (European Cup) final of Chelsea's history, going to Moscow, it's fantastic for him. He'll be very, very proud."

Grant is putting Chelsea to one side today as he will fly to Poland to visit Auschwitz out of respect for Holocaust Day, which took place yesterday.

He collapsed to his knees on the pitch at the final whistle and revealed: "It was a special day for me. Hard but very special. My father buried my grandfather with his own hands, so this day always has an extra significance.

"My father was the most optimistic and strong person I have ever known, so to reach the Champions League Final today of all days was unbelievable."

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Chris Robshaw to captain England for rest of Six Nations Chris Robshaw Chris Robshaw will lead England for the rest of the Six Nations after winning his two games as captain
  • Thierry Henry set for final game for Arsenal against AC Milan Thierry Henry Thierry Henry will play his final game for Arsenal at the San Siro with manager Arsene Wenger wishing he could stay for longer
  • I've played at Wembley, thanks to the JLS boys Phillips Idowu Phillips Idowu exclusive: JLS are a cool bunch of guys, I've got all their albums and I've followed them closely since The...
  • Chelsea stars say 'get Guus ­Hiddink in now' Guus ­Hiddink Senior Chelsea players want Guus ­Hiddink to return to Stamford Bridge as manager and save the club's season
  • Robin Van Persie has score to settle on his return to big stage Arsenal players Arsenal striker was harshly sent off this time last year but a brilliant run of form since has put him in a perfect position to put his...
  • England's luck is in as Charlie Hodgson leads the charge Charlie Hodgson Fly-half never gave up on Test career and that spirit is serving the team well
  • Shed tears for taxpayers not Rangers fans Rangers Ibrox Patrick Barclay: Administration is no fun for any club but it is still a relatively easy way out for the owners and...
  • Sean Dyche delighted with Valentine's Day victory for hard-working Watford Craig Forsyth Watford boss Sean Dyche hailed the Hornets' team spirit as they made it 10 points from 12 to continue their upward movement in the...
  • Alan Curbishley is No1 choice for Wolves Alan Curbishley Alan Curbishley is due to be interviewed for the job of Wolves manager
  • Javier Hernandez ready to embrace Europa League Javier Hernandez It might be a Thursday night on Channel Five - but Manchester United's clash with Ajax does sound like a Champions League game
  •