Mr Personality

Half of me feels sorry for Avram Grant; brought in as a bit of patsy, and crucified by the press and club supporters whenever possible. However, it’s hard to escape the sneaking suspicion that at heart he’s still a complete cock, as demonstrated by his petulant and simply unprofessional behaviour following Chelsea’s scrappy 1 – 0 win over Everton last night. Grant not only snubbed all TV interviews, presumably in protest to the game being brought forward 48 hours at the behest of Sky, but also gave this quite ridiculous interview to the written press. Everyone in the newspaper business has been left bemused and a little insulted really by last night’s events, so here then to read for yourself is how it went down:

Q: A deserved win?

A: “Yes.”

Q: What pleased you about the display?

A: “I’m pleased.”

Q: What pleased you?

A: (After eight second delay) “I don’t know.”

Q: Do you have an issue with the Press?

A: “No.”

Q: Is it a relief to win here?

A: “Yes.”

Q: Are you more satisfied with the performance or the victory?

A: “Both.”

Q: The Chelsea fans must believe you are still in the title race, do you have a message for them?

A: “No.”

Q: You seem less chatty than usual. Is it because of Sky TV moving the game to a Thursday?

A: “Maybe it’s because of you.”

Q: Is it a protest against newspapers?

A: “No. Why?”

Q: Is this because of Sky?

A: “No. Sky is OK. I enjoy watching it.”

Q: Is it easier to say nothing Avram?

A: “I don’t know.”

Q: Would you not like to gain some positive publicity for the result?

A: “You can write what you want and I can answer what I want.”

Q: Do you feel under pressure to deliver a trophy?

A: “No.”

Q: (Where was) Michael Ballack?

A: “Injured.”

Q: What’s his problem?

A: “Ask the doctor.”

Q: He’s not here Avram.

A: “Well call him then.”

It’s childish in so many ways, and surely a sign that the pressure is getting to him rather than any kind of clever media protest. Managers have to play the media game, it’s part of the job description, and despite the mockery we’ve made of Arsene Wenger recently over his post-interviews, at least he’s there and prepared to offer the club a passionate public face. What kind of message though does this apathetic-at-best performance send out to the Chelsea fans nationwide? Replaced in the summer even if Chelsea somehow manage to win the Premier League/Champions League double? You better believe it.