Grant hits back at Benitez

Manager insists Chelsea deserved draw

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 29th April 2008

Grant Avram

Grant: Claims Chelsea deserved draw

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Avram Grant has dismissed Rafa Benitez's claim that Chelsea were fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Liverpool.

Liverpool took the lead at Anfield through Dirk Kuyt but Chelsea scored a crucial away goal deep into stoppage time when John Arne Riise headed a Salomon Kalou cross into his own net.

Ahead of Wednesday's return leg at Stamford Bridge, Benitez has stated that Chelsea were 'lucky' because goalkeeper Petr Cech made two or three important saves.

Grant disagrees with Benitez's assessment but is staying focused on the match at Chelsea rather than the events of a week ago.

"I respect Rafa Benitez, but I think we started the game very well at Liverpool and deserved one goal," he told Sky Sports News.

Character

"They played well but we showed good character and were better at the end of the game.

"You can say whatever you want but we scored at the end of the game and it is 1-1."

Grant has also played down concerns that the scuffle between Chelsea ground staff and Manchester United players at the end of Saturday's Premier League match might have affected preparations.

He said: "I am very happy that my players were not involved. It is a club matter and I can't say any more about this."

Lampard decision

Meanwhile, Grant has confirmed that Frank Lampard could feature against Liverpool after returning to training.

The midfielder missed the 2-1 victory over Manchester United following the death of his mother but Grant will consider handing him a recall if he comes through the last session before the match.

"He's doing everything to be available for the game but it is before the last training so I cannot say anything more," said Grant.

"We always take the decisions after the last training because at Chelsea we sometimes have injuries.

"We will wait and see after the training."