SoccerNet Live

After the disappointment of the Carling Cup loss, Chelsea have to pick themselves up against West Ham on Saturday. On paper, pocketing three points is a breeze, considering Chelsea’s impeccable track record against the Hammers since 2003.

Yet, the ebb in confidence has cast doubts about a win and Grant is now a hot favorite to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked. Anything less than a win will be disastrous. Rumors are already circulating that Frank Rijkaard or Hiddink have been lined up to take over once Grant is disposed. I doubt Rijkaard is keen to enter this cauldron; there is no job security, not even for Jose Mourinho.

How fast the winds of fortune change. Things weren’t like that when Avram Grant took the mantle from Mourinho. Despite the outcry and derision which greeted his appointment, he steadied the ship and put together an impressive run under extreme circumstances… African Nations Cup, injuries and suspensions having ravaged his team beyond recognition. Confounding critics, Grant made a brave challenge for titles on all fronts, an unprecedented quadruple, to be exact.

However, with a surplus of talents at his disposal now that the majority of players have returned to the fore, Chelsea have not consolidated their position. In fact, they imploded. Now, everybody is baying for Grant’s blood on the basis of one match. Yes, it was disgraceful to watch. Grant was totally out of his depth and slumping in his seat with that crestfallen look, I don’t blame the players for not finding inspiration when they needed it. But I urge a moment of calm and patience here.

Do not forget that Arsenal also lost to this Tottenham team 5-1, but the response to Wenger’s selections and tactics was decidedly more civil. Some may feel that the current dissatisfaction with Grant extends further than just one match, as the statistics of his season so far will attest, but for better or worse, the numbers game do not tell the entire story.

This is the not the time for the fans to rock the boat. The players can choose to close ranks and turn adversity into strength by rebounding from their setback, or they can blow apart their season by splitting into different camps and showing off to Roman Abramovich who is the real boss.

Fact is the team fielded against Tottenham have enough star players and should be good enough to win. The loss in form or interest of Drogba is showing up, regardless of the big-game player he claims himself to be. Players like Terry and Lampard have to understand that they do not have a divine right to be in the team, in spite of the contributions made in the past. Every player loves to play, especially when it is a Cup final.

I believe John Terry loves the club and wants only the best for them. He has no qualms about placing his head before a thunderous foot in order to stop a goal. Considering the years of excellent service, it is natural that he possess an untouchable position as well as the private ears of the owners and directors. However, power corrupts and absolute power is absolutely bad.

The influence he now wields over the team is beyond what is considered normal for a player. Over the past season, he has grown “too big for his boots.” I find it particularly hard to accept his constant arguing with the referees when decisions go against his team.

His game has been affected by the injuries which have taken their toil. He has lost a bit of pace but thankfully his reading of the game is still not impaired. Scoring match-winning headers has been his forte during the early championship years but these goals have been few and far in between.

Another grouse I have about Terry is that he never allow himself to get fully fit, the doctors recommend an eight-week layoff but he is back in six weeks. Amazing recovery and anxiety to captain the team notwithstanding, it doesn’t benefit anybody if he is carrying a niggling injury and hampering the team’s defense by becoming the weak link.

Wenger did not go out of his way to satisfy all his players and the unrest among players like Gilberto, Aliaderie and Diarra were well documented. The difference lies in the support of the management in both clubs. If Grant is strong enough, he should strip Terry of the captain’s armband when he is fully fit, and let him know that a place in the first XI has to be earned like everybody else.

Even though Grant may not admit it, it is a delicate situation when the owner, Roman Abramovich, takes a personal interest on the tactical aspects and selection of players. During his time, Mourinho was under pressure to field Shevchenko even when he is clearly not contributing, his exclusion was a sore point with Abramovich.

The interest in team affairs can undermine the manager. There should only be one person calling the shots and decision making lies in the hands of the manager, not the captain or the owner. If Grant insists on a core group of players or he wants to adjust his formation to indulge the unhappy players, he should do it on his free will but he needs to account for his report card at the end of the day.

Looking forward, Chelsea have three massive titles in front of them; if truth be told, Premier League success is out of the question. Overhauling Manchester United or Arsenal will require a calamity for both teams to take place simultaneously. Turning in consistent results and keeping their third spot will already be an achievement given the pack of hungry wolfs snapping at their heels.

They may progress to the next round of the Champions League by clearing the Olympiakos hurdle but clinching the title will require something extra which I do not yet sense in this team. As for the FA Cup, it should be an epic clash with Manchester United and this is a competition which I believe lies their best chance of silverware.

It is fascinating to see what team Grant picks against West Ham and whether he can motivate the team again from the setback. If Chelsea end up empty-handed this season, it is up to the board to decide if instant results are too much to ask for and give Grant another chance or to appoint another manager with a more credible CV. And to prepare for the worst case, I think it is wise for Grant to take his UEFA pro license sessions seriously. Playing truant may cost him his next job dearly.