Grant cools Sheva rumours
12 Dec 2007 - 08:06:31
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- Grant cools Sheva rumours
Chelsea boss Avram Grant has played down injury worries surrounding striker Andriy Shevchenko after the goalless draw against Valencia at Stamford Bridge.
The 31-year-old Ukrainian ace was replaced at half-time against the Spanish side, but Grant insists that that was part of a pre-match plan, aimed at protecting Shevchenko in the absence of Didier Drogba.
Grant said: "The decision to bring Shevchenko off at half-time was made before the game.
"We knew he was playing three games in eight days and there are many more matches to come.
"It was a decision that Shevchenko and Frank Lampard would not play for 90 minutes, because this match was not important for qualification.
"Shevchenko knew before the game that he would be coming off.
"Maybe if he had stayed on the pitch he would have scored, but we felt it more important that he keep his physical condition.
"He has not played many full games so we need to keep him in shape. He is supposed to play on Sunday."
Of his side's overall aims in the Champions League, Grant added: "We want to be at least in the final. That is our target for the future, but we also want to do it this year and I think we can do it.
"Other teams will believe they can do it, but we must want to achieve the best."