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We´ll be too strong for you, Grant warns Fenerbahce FC

Posted on April 7, 2008
Filed Under Chelsea

Avram Grant believes Chelsea will set the record straight by knocking out Fenerbahce in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Grant still carries the psychological scars of last week’s surprise 2-1 defeat against the Turkish champions in Istanbul and is determined to make amends at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues led through Deivid’s early own goal and were superior in every area for most of the match. All they needed was a second goal to kill off Zico’s team but when it didn’t arrive the hosts took full advantage thanks to goals from Colin Kazim-Kazim and Deivid.

That second half meltdown has left Chelsea with a tricky task in the return. Although they only need a 1-0 win to secure their fourth Champions League semi-final appearance in five years, Fenerbahce could alter the whole balance of the tie with a goal in London.

Grant has led Chelsea to within three points of Manchester United in the Premier League title race after Saturday’s win at Manchester City, but the Israeli cannot afford an embarrassing exit from Europe against one of the least favoured quarter-finalists.

“I never know the result before a game otherwise I would gamble and become a millionaire. But I know what I expect and what we can do,” said Grant.

“I have confidence in my team, never mind whether we are playing Fenerbahce or Barcelona.

“We played well in Turkey, not just in the first half but in the second half until they scored. Fenerbahce are a good team with a good coach. He was a player I liked very much.

“I know it will not be easy but I know we can win. We have a lot of quality and can beat anyone.”

Grant rested Didier Drogba and Ricardo Carvalho at the weekend and both should return refreshed on Tuesday.

With Frank Lampard and John Terry also back from spells on the sidelines, Grant is confident those enforced breaks will give his side an extra spring in their step for the final month of the season.

“During December and January nearly all the big players were out,” Grant said. “This group of players has brought us to the place we are now. They have done a terrific job so we trust them.”

Fenerbahce are within touching distance of their first appearance in the last four of Europe’s elite club competition.

Zico’s team are an emerging force in the Champions League but this is the kind of match they have to win to be regarded as a serious contender.

They will travel to London boosted by another come-from-behind win against Kayserispor on Saturday that consolidated their lead at the top of the Turkish league.

Trailing 1-0 they fought back through an Alex penalty and a last-minute winner from Semih Senturk.

Once again Kazim-Kazim was the catalyst, as he came on after half-time to replace Roberto Carlos, who has recovered from a shin injury and should be fit to start at Stamford Bridge.

Zico and his Brazilian compatriot Alex, Fenerbahce’s captain, are united in their belief that the team’s never-say-die spirit will prove the decisive factor on Tuesday.

“Despite going behind, we never stopped fighting and that was the main thing,” Alex said. “I believe we will take the Turkish crown, and now we are going to London to beat Chelsea and reach the semi-finals.”

Zico added: “When you look at the number of quality players we have, we are a bit behind Europe’s other top teams.

“But in terms of having a team spirit, I don’t think we lack anything. No achievement comes without hard work. But, also, faith is a most important factor. I am trying to make my players believe that they can succeed.”

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