Wednesday Apr 30 2008 07:48
Chelsea manager Avram Grant has rubbished claims from
Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez that Didier Drogba is a cheat ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg clash.
Benitez warned referee Roberto Rosetti that he will have to be strong during the second leg at Stamford Bridge with the tie poised on a knife-edge at 1-1.
The Reds boss accused Drogba of diving to win free-kicks and penalties, but Grant has issued a staunch defence of the Ivory Coast striker.
"I don't think he is a diver at all," claimed Grant. "He's a good player. He's a powerful player, so the referee needs to look at what happens to him more.
"If you look at the video and see what Jamie Carragher did to him in the first game, you will see the referee was very polite.
"Because he looks so powerful, defenders think there are other ways to stop him.
"I will not speak about the players of Liverpool and what they do. I don't like it when others speak about mine.
"Rafa can say whatever he wants to say. I say what I think. Ask him why he's saying that.
"I think the reason is clear. One way to stop him is to use power more than ever. I think he has tried to affect the referee so he does not do his job."
Meanwhile, Grant has suggested the Champions League remains Chelsea's number one priority despite playing their way back into the title race with a victory over league leaders Manchester United last weekend.
"The dream of everybody is the Champions League. This is the top," he continued.
"The target is the Champions League, for sure. You cannot say it's more important than other competitions, but it's very important for the club and I'm here to sell the club.
"Chelsea wants to be a big club. When you want to be a big club, you need to win the Champions League. It's very important for the club to create history for Chelsea."
Elsewhere, Grant has revealed that Frank Lampard is likely to return against Liverpool after missing the Manchester United game following the death of his mother last week.
"Frank is doing everything to be available for the game," said Grant.
"We always take decisions after the last training session."
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