Grant ready for tense finale

Chelsea boss knows importance of mental strength

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 9th May 2008

Avram Grant Chelsea

Grant: Final-day drama

PREMIER LEAGUE FINALE
Wigan v Man Utd
Sky Sports 1 from 2pm


Chelsea v Bolton
Sky Sports 2


Birmingham v Blackburn
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Coverage of all three games begins at 2pm on Sky Sports 1.


All games kick off at 3pm.

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Avram Grant believes that whoever holds their nerve will be crowned Premier League champions on Sunday.

Chelsea trail Manchester United only on goal difference, with the Red Devils travelling to Wigan and Grant's men at home to Bolton, with both matches live on Sky Sports.

And the Israeli feels that whoever copes better with the pressure on what is bound to be a tension-filled afternoon will be holding the trophy aloft.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are in pole position and will claim a 10th Premier League crown if they defeat the Latics, but Chelsea are waiting eagerly in the wings and are determined to pounce.

Mental strength

Grant told Sky Sports News: "Nobody expected it and nobody believed that it would come to this stage, we believed it all the time.

"When you come to the last month or two months it is mental strength, but you also have to show physical qualities.

"When you come to the last game, mental strength is very important.

"We have a game against Bolton, which is not an easy game and we need to win, I think it will be a very tough game.

"Of course we will look at the result from Wigan. We hope that everything will be OK.

"Wigan haven't lost at home since January, they played fantastically against us before. They know that they are under the spotlight all over the world and everyone is watching so I am sure they will do their best."

Respect

Both clubs are indulging in mind-games ahead of Sunday's end-of-season spectacular, and Grant could not resist a joke at the expense of Ferguson.

The Scot has expressed concerns that Bolton have been too relaxed after all-but securing their top-flight status last weekend, with Grant light-heartedly likening the United boss to a member of the Israeli special forces.

He joked: "I told everyone that Alex is from the Mossad, and nobody believed me. He knows everything!"

Grant added: "We know Alex, I like him, I respect him, but we know why he says these things sometimes.

"I don't think he knows what is happening at Bolton, unless he wants to be manager there."

Ricardo Carvalho remains a major doubt for Chelsea after injuring his back in the victory over Newcastle, and he is still to return to training after intensive treatment.

Grant admitted: "He didn't train today, but we will see tomorrow."

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