Makelele backs Avram

Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has defender under-fire boss Avram Grant and believes the foundation is set to pursue greatness and trophies for the Blues.

Makelele the Evening Standard: "I believe that Avram Grant is a good manager - just look at where we are today.

"I don't understand why he is being compared to Jose Mourinho. Avram Grant has only just started.

"Once he's had the same amount of time as his predecessors, then you can draw some conclusions. So far I think he's done well this season.

"The manager lays down the foundations, but it is up to the players to be focused and deliver the results.

"We've always had enough top players to know what needs to be done. We just needed to remind ourselves."