Grant keen to move on from the Jose era

CHELSEA manager Avram Grant has refused to get drawn into a war of words with Jose Mourinho, insisting he is only concentrating on moving the club forward from the era of the Special One.

Mourinho, in Spain this week, revealed he would welcome an eventual return to England and added he felt “nothing” for his successor, although Grant was diplomatic with his response.

The Israeli stressed he had the utmost respect for Mourinho’s work for the club — bringing consecutive Premier League titles, the League Cup twice and the FA Cup — but is focused on the future rather than the past.

“I have respect for what Jose did at the club in the past,” he said. “The club brought me here to go a different way and that’s what I have to concentrate on.

“I’m not a man of fighting. I’ll only fight for my team on the pitch, do everything for my club, and I have a lot of respect for all people, including Jose.”

Grant believes the changes he has implemented, in terms of preparations and style of play, is best illustrated by Michael Ballack’s recent form.

The Germany international has linked up with Frank Lampard in midfield and has taken the plaudits for his best form since arriving from Bayern Munich at the start of last season. “I think the different style of football is better for him, just as it is for the team,” Grant said.

“We are looking forward to another style of football, a different style of training, a different style of playing.”

Chelsea travel to Barnsley for an FA Cup quarter-final tie today and Grant is wary of underestimating his Coca-Cola Championship opponents, especially at Oakwell where they will be looking for another giantkilling.

“They have lost only two league game at home this season, so it will be difficult because they’ve beaten Liverpool in the last round as well,” Grant said.

Petr Cech’s injury means Carlo Cudicini could continue in goal, while Andriy Shevchenko played for the reserves this week but is not ready for first-team action as he returns from a back problem.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi stated this week Shevchenko would be the “ideal choice” to replace the injured Ronaldo, although Grant sees the striker as part of his plans.

“Shevchenko is in the reserves because, like Ballack previously, he’s been injured. He’s improving. He’s not ready yet, but he’s moving in the right way.”