Jewell fears for Grant
Derby manager Paul Jewell fears Chelsea counterpart Avram Grant could be out of a job this summer – even if he brings silverware to Stamford Bridge.
Grant’s position at the west London club has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after their Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham and surprise FA Cup exit at the hands of Coca-Cola Championship Barnsley.
The Israeli only took over as Jose Mourinho’s replacement in September but it was the Portuguese’s name fans were chanting at the final whistle of their defeat to the Tykes, a result which reportedly enraged owner Roman Abramovich.
The Blues are still fighting for trophies on two fronts with the Champions League and Barclays Premier League still to play for – and victory over the Rams tomorrow night would move them within five points of leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.
Jewell finds himself in a far more secure position than his 52-year-old Chelsea counterpart despite failing to win a league game since arriving at Pride Park in November.
The County boss said: “Avram Grant hasn’t done too bad. Some managers get longer runs because of their personality and how people perceive them.
“Avram has taken over from Jose Mourinho, who was a massive personality and was loved by the Chelsea fans.
“They were only going to put up with it while Grant was winning games. As soon as he loses a couple of games the knives were always going to be out for him.
“I would imagine he has to win something – but even then for some people it might not be enough.”
Defeat against the Premier League’s basement side would be another huge shock as the Blues protect a two-year unbeaten record on home soil, while the Rams’ sole away win this term came in the FA Cup penalty shoot-out at Sheffield Wednesday.
Grant’s team selection for the Oakwell clash has come in for some criticism after key players like Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were left out of the squad.
And he received little sympathy from Jewell, who admits he would love to have such an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.
He added: “It’s going to be difficult. They probably made six changes but the six changes that they brought in are quality players like (Juliano) Belletti, (Michael) Essien, (Shaun) Wright-Phillips.
“It must be terrible having to decide whether to play (Nicolas) Anelka and Drogba, two up front or one up front. I wish I had those options but I’m sure they will be looking to bounce back.”
