Source: Team_Talk
Pompey boss relieved with cup win
However, Grant refused to accept he was a lucky manager after his past shortcomings.[LNB]In May 2008, Grant saw his then Chelsea side lose out on penalties to Manchester United in the Champions League final in Moscow.[LNB]But he enjoyed a huge slice of luck at the Ricoh Arena as substitute Aaron Mokoena headed a last-gasp winner in extra-time injury time to secure a 2-1 victory and a fourth-round tie at home to Sunderland.[LNB]The result was certainly harsh on their Championship opponents who had looked destined for victory in normal time until defender Stephen Wright put through his own net in the 90th minute.[LNB]"I'm happy with any win but especially this kind of win," said Grant.[LNB]"I never think the game is gone, even yesterday we spoke about what to do in a tough situation and about never giving up.[LNB]"I think you saw that the players tried and tried and tried. We didn't give up until the last moment. We deserved the win."[LNB]Asked whether he felt he was a fortunate manager, Grant joked: "After the penalties in Moscow I don't feel lucky. Don't speak with me about luck after this evening."[LNB]Pompey's success comes as a brief ray of light in otherwise gloomy times at Fratton Park.[LNB]As well as battling for Premier League survival, the cash-strapped south-coast outfit met with officials on Tuesday to discuss their financial shortcomings and a possible lifting of the transfer embargo imposed on the club.[LNB]A decision regarding the ban, and whether they will be able to receive around £7million in television money with creditors awaiting payment, is expected in the coming days.[LNB]And with everything going on around the club, Grant was keen to stress how proud he was of his players after their fightback.[LNB]"I don't see many clubs in this situation who could continue fighting and not give up," he said.[LNB]"This shows a lot of character. I'm very proud of what the players are doing and I think it's unique.[LNB]"I think everybody needs to learn that even with all the problems and the difficulties in football, you need to keep fighting and keep fighting."[LNB]Leon Best handed the Sky Blues a deserved lead midway through the first half with a superb half-volley on the edge of the area.[LNB]But after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes, Portsmouth hit back in the second half and Keiren Westwood was called upon several times to keep Coventry in it.[LNB]But with the fourth round beckoning they were cruelly denied, before being hit with a second sucker punch when the tie looked destined for a penalty shootout.[LNB]And Sky Blues boss Chris Coleman said: "We're gutted to be fair, the players are devastated. Overall I think we did enough to take it to penalties.[LNB]"I thought we played very well in the first half, could have got another goal.[LNB]"Portsmouth were better in the second half and pushed us back. Extra time it's evens-stevens really.[LNB]"To lose like that, it's difficult to know what to say to the players. We're disappointed with the two goals we gave away."[LNB]"It's a tough way to lose a game and get knocked out of the cup"[LNB][LNB]
