Claude Makelele insists Chelsea's players must get behind Avram Grant if they want to succeed.
Blues midfielder concentrating on life after Jose
Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele admits the departure of Jose Mourinho was not popular amongst most of the players, but insists they must now get behind new boss Avram Grant if they want to succeed.
The Blues have stuttered since the 'Special One' spectacularly left the club last week and have not won either of the two league games since.
However Makelele says the players need to move on and concentrate on winning again, starting with Wednesday's UEFA Champions League game with Valencia.
"We can't do anything about Mourinho going now. The majority of players did not like it, but it is the decision the club made and we have to accept it," he said in The People.
Looking forward
"Now we have to help the new coach to take things forward. If he fails then the players fail too."
Chelsea have made an uncharacteristically poor start to the Champions League after being held by Norwegian side Rosenborg in their first game.
And Makelele understands the importance of their next game against Spanish side Valencia.
"Nobody thought we would not beat Rosenborg on our own pitch but we can make amends by beating Valencia - even though it will not be easy.
"This game is a lot more important for Chelsea than it appears to our people. We are playing for our future in the Champions League because to get only one point from six would put a lot of pressure on us."
Revenge
Chelsea knocked Valencia out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage last season and Makelele expects the Spanish side to be out for revenge on Wednesday.
"Valencia want to pay us back for last year and that will make the game even harder, but Chelsea have lived through worse situations and we will come through."
