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Avram - Mourinho analysis

Avram - Mourinho analysis


When Roman Abramovich hired Avram Grant to become Chelsea's Director of Football, several sections of the media released stories that had quotes from Jose Mourinho stating he was angry with the appointment.

However, Jose Mourinho was; only a few days later, very quick to reject the rumours.

Speaking to the clubs website, Jose said, "He's here to give support to different areas in the club, and for me that's not a problem. If the club wants to bring people to make the club better, and from my point of view, don't interfere with the power I have in relation to my job, then I welcome and try to help them adapt to a club like Chelsea."

Avram Grant had supposedly been brought into fill "the link" between Jose Mourinho and Peter Kenyon, however, Jose wanted to control his position with the board himself. Jose is understood to have been unhappy with Grant regularly monitoring training sessions.

During January 2007, Jose Mourinho was reportedly disappointed that he was unable to sign three players and fell out with Peter Kenyon. Rumours circulated that very month as many were already speculating Avram Grant was to take charge of Chelsea.

After Grant was hired Mourinho explained, "I think the club was very clear in the statement they put out. If you want to know more about his work ethic, you'll have to speak with him."

Avram Grant was introduced to Roman Abramovich by Pini Zahavi, the football super-agent. Roman was later present at Israel's first qualifier for the 2006 World Cup against France and was often seen visiting the dressing room after their matches. And so began a very close bond between the two.

When Avram Grant left Portsmouth for Chelsea, Harry Redknapp spoke of him, "Avram has been as good as gold. I enjoy having him here, talking to him and being with him. He has a lot of experience and common sense. If Chelsea want him, it would be unfair to stand in his way."

"I wish Avram all the best and I will miss him a lot. He was great for me at Portsmouth."

Whilst ex-Portsmouth player David Thompson had said,

"He observes a lot, he chats to the players and gives a small input. He is quite philosophical and has a lot of comparisons in life - I found him to be quite an interesting guy. He's like Socrates, but not the Brazilian footballer."

Abramovich may feel now is the right time to hire someone with the man-management skills Avram Grant brings.