Grant - No problem with fans

Chelsea chief concentrating on the football at Chelsea

Last updated: 28th March 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Grant - No problem with fans

Grant: No distractions

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Chelsea boss Avram Grant insists he has no problem with Chelsea supporters, despite coming under attack from some quarters last week.

Grant was left smiling at the close of Grand Slam Sunday's defeat of Arsenal, but when his Chelsea side were trailing before coming back to win 2-1 he felt the ire of a number inside Stamford Bridge.

Some of Chelsea's supporters doubted his decision to take off Michael Ballack, but Grant's tactical nous on this occasion proved correct, as his replacement Nicolas Anelka played a key role in their comeback.

The crowd chanted 'you don't know what you're doing' and Ballack stormed off down the tunnel - clearly unhappy at Grant's decision.

However, Grant insists he has no problem with either the supporters that voiced their misgivings - or Michael Ballack - who has been dealt with internally.

Continued support

"People like to look at the negatives. Many, many supporters of Chelsea support the club and even support me," said Grant.

"If others think otherwise, it doesn't affect me. I have to do my job. I do the tactical side, what I have to do in the condition of the players. I don't hear any other noises. I think I need to do my job, not pay attention to things from outside.

"You do what you think can win you the game. Even (Claude) Makelele was playing well last week but we needed to change things to win the game.

"That's what happens. The players respect it. If they had a problem, I'd take care of it. It's inside the club (with Ballack's reaction). If there is a problem, I'll deal with it."