Avram Grant concedes Andrei Shevchenko is struggling on both a physical and mental level as he strives to find his best form.
Chelsea chief admits to being at a loss with regards Shevchenko
Avram Grant concedes Andrei Shevchenko is struggling on both a physical and mental level as he strives to find his best form.
Ever since his arrival at Stamford Bridge the Ukrainian striker has looked a pale imitation of the player that struck fear into defences across Europe when he was at his peak with Milan.
Shevchenko's relationship with Jose Mourinho was luke-warm at best, as the Portuguese tactician elected to leave him on the bench, much to the chagrin of Chelsea owner and the player's friend, Roman Abramovich.
Grant is said to have a better understanding with the 31-year-old but he too has elected to leave Shevchenko very much on the periphery of his first XI.
And Chelsea's latest incumbent admits he is at a loss to explain the player's lack of form.
Help at hand
"I prefer only to say that he was not at his best from the beginning of the year but there are many reasons for this," Grant said.
"You never know if it is because of the mental side that the player doesn't look so good in the physical side, or if it has come from the physical side. Sometimes it is both.
"We are talking about professional players. They need to handle everything. We try to help them if they help themselves.
"We tried to help him as we try to help other players. But the players feel they need to help themselves. We have a big squad and we will need everybody, including Andrei Shevchenko."
