CL: Will Grant Get It Right?
By: Jack | March 4th, 2008Chelsea manager Avram Grant knows what is at stake when the Blues host Olympiacos at Stamford Bridge tomorrow in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. He summed it up today, when asked whether it would be a “disastrous” result if Chelsea went out of the competition:
“If we do not qualify I don’t know the word.” Catastrophe, perhaps? Grant nodded, adding: “You will find the words.”
Such is the pressure stacked upon Chelsea. The Blues, coming off an impressive 4-0 victory over West Ham on the weekend, find themselves a goal away from crashing out of the CL to a side they should not only defeat, but should defeat handily.
Grant got it all wrong in Greece, leaving out Lampard and Terry (not so bad) and replacing Joe Cole on the left with Anelka (McLovin bad). Let’s hope he’s at least learned a little something and will have Cole back where he belongs. Terry and Lampard will no doubt find places, but will he stick with Ballack, whom was superb against West Ham, as well? (We can only hope.) Though I’d like to see some sort of a 4-4-2 — a 4-1-2-1-2 with Drogba/Anelka anyone? — I think Grant will stick with the 4-3-3. Anelka was sharp against West Ham at the point, but will likely find the bench in favor of the mighty Drogs.
Olympiacos enters the match with a slew on injuries, most notably Lua Lua who reportedly dislocated his shoulder over the weekend. Five other regulars are out as well. I expect the Greeks to sit back early and attempt to soak up whatever pressure is presented. What that means is it basically boils down to whether we take advantage of what’s presented at the opening. If not, things could get rather interesting as the match progresses.
Grant has yet to prove himself worthy of his title when it comes to critical matches. With this being the biggest of his tenure thus far, he must provide the goods. Failure is not an option — well, if he wants to keep his job.
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Tags: Ballack, Champions League, Chelsea News, Chelsea Team News, Drogba, Fixtures, Lampard, OlympiacosSubscribe
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Comments
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I suppose a coach and his team are only as good as their next game, but one has to be honest and admit Grant has been a pleasant surprise. This team won nine in a row and lost once in a 17-match stretch from December to the Carling Cup. To crucify him for the Carling Cup is unfair; it’s likely they put more emphasis on the Champions League, FA Cup and the Premiership.
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com/2008/03/champions-league-chelsea-olympiacos.html
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I like your idea of the 4-1-2-1-2. Ever since Le Sulk’s signing was announced, I have been waiting to see Drogba and him *together*–I erally think that pairing will be special.
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really, that is to say
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Mike, you make a decent point about the Carling Cup not being the CL, FA or PL. But the problem is that it appeared as though Grant was trying genuinely win that match - and not saving the team (Cole and Ballack specifically) for later play. If it was an experiment with the side he fielded, its a curious time to be experimenting. I just think the CC side was poor coaching - given the form that Cole and Ballack have been in, and the form the team has been in with them on the pitch. They were a big part of why Chelsea weathered the storm that you mention. I just didn’t understand the tinkering.
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Looks like Grant’s got it right so far, up 2-0 at the half. Ashley Cole has been a menace pushing forward and Lampard, Ballack et al, impeccable up front.
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com/2008/03/live-blogging-champions-league-chelsea.html
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