Listen - Champions League Semi-Final 2nd Leg: Chelsea (4) 3-2 (3) Liverpool - Grant proud at creating history!
Listen to Avram Grant's press conference after reaching the Champions League Final!
A night of history for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - maybe finally the ghosts of Jose Mourinho will be laid to rest.
There's a new Special One on the block and his name is Avram Grant. The Chelsea manager has faced a barrage of abuse from some of his own fans and the media ever since the day he took over from the colourful Portu-geezer in September.
The first major criticism of the Israeli was that he did not know how to win the big games. He lost his first match in charge away to Manchester United, with 10 men for more than half of the contest. Petr Cech's unbelievable error at the Emirates in December ensured Arsenal took all 3 points despite being on the back foot for the majority of the game. Then came his biggest mistake - defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley in the Carling Cup Final.
In truth, that was his only real mistake - the loss to United was a hiding to nothing. After all he was only in charge of the team for a few days prior. It was also unaided after Jon Obi Mikel's red card whilst a misjudgment by the best goalkeeper in the world, along with poor finishing, cost him at the Emirates. Wembley, however, was a criticism that could be waved in his face. Spurs were simply the better team on the day but that was helped by Grant's decision not to start Joe Cole.
Since that day back in late February though it seems he's got it right. Beating Arsenal at the Bridge has now been followed up with wins over Manchester United and Liverpool in the space of 4 days.
He's eclipsed his predecessor in Europe and taken more points than any other team in the Premier League since he took charge. Yes there have been disappointing draws along the way - Wigan springing to mind, but every club gets them.
The facts are that Grant has exhibited again he can win the big games whilst it sets up a double United v Chelsea finale domestically and in Europe.
And Grant said he was proud at the club's historic achievement.
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