UNITED KINGDOM: SOCCER/FOOTBALL - Avram Grant takes part in bizarre news conference

Record ID: 644941

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: SOCCER/FOOTBALL - Avram Grant takes part in bizarre news conference
  • Date: 19th April 2008
  • Summary: LONDON UNITED KINGDOM (APRIL 7 2008) (REUTERS) CHELSEA PLAYER TRAINING PRIOR TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH
  • Embargoed: 4th May 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA7VQIFFSMC806EUMNDD06NT1B5
  • Story Text: British newspapers took the unusual step on Friday (April 18) of publishing a verbatim transcript of Avram Grant's quizzical post-match press conference following Chelsea's 1-0 win at Everton on Thursday (April 17).
    Grant gave a series of abrupt answers to the media after his team's win, saying that he did not know whether Chelsea were still in the title race or not, even though their win brought them to within two points of Manchester United with three matches to play. United have four matches left and visit Chelsea on April 26.
    Grant gave long answers during an interview with a radio station earlier but gave short, quizzical answers to newspaper reporters later.
    Asked what pleased him about the performance he replied, after a long pause: "What, sorry?"
    The question was repeated to him and he answered: "I honestly don't know."
    Other answers were "yes" or "no". At one point he answered: "Sorry, no, now I am thinking about something else."
    Grant came under intense pressure from the media after Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge by Wigan Athletic on Monday night, a result that dented their title hopes.
    It was understood that Chelsea were also angry because the match was rescheduled for Thursday so that TV rights-holder Sky Sports could show the match live.
    Asked if his attitude in the press conference was a protest against the newspapers he replied: "No why? I think I answer every question, maybe you don't know why."
    The conference ended shortly after he had answered: "I'm sorry, you can write whatever you want; I can answer whatever I want."
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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