Shevchenko seeks unity

Striker calls for Chelsea togetherness

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 28th September 2007

Andriy Shevchenko

Shevchenko: Team spirit

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Andriy Shevchenko has called on his Chelsea team-mates to unite under new manager Avram Grant.

The Israeli was swiftly appointed as Jose Mourinho's successor after previously filling the role as director of football at Stamford Bridge.

The close relationship between Grant, Shevchenko and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been rumoured to be a factor behind Mourinho's exit.

Big changes

However, Shevchenko - who has yet to impress since his big money move from Milan last summer - insists his relationship with Grant is no different to any other player at Chelsea.

"I know him (Grant) as director of football with the team, like every player," said Shevchenko. "He tries now as a manager and every player has the same relationship.

"It's a difficult moment for the club, the players, the team, because of big changes in the house, so it's a moment for the players to stick together and do our best for the club."

Hiddink

Meanwhile, Guus Hiddink's agent has rubbished speculation the Dutchman is set to quit his role as manager of Russia in order to take charge at Chelsea.

Hiddink has been linked with the Blues hot seat, but Hiddink's representative Cees van Nieuwenhuizen insists the 60-year-old is happy with Russia.

"Where he is right now and his age, it is of more interest to him to work with a national team," Van Nieuwenhuizen told the BBC.

"I think that's what he likes to do instead of being in the pressure cooker of the Premier League."