Portsmouth FC

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Grant continues to believe

05 Feb 2010 - 13:57:43

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Avram Grant has urged his Portsmouth players to keep believing they can stay in the Premier League, despite the continuing problems at Fratton Park.

Pompey travel to Old Trafford on Saturday to take on champions Manchester United in the midst of another major off-pitch story developing.

Hong Kong-based businessman Balram Chainrai has assumed control of the financially stricken club this week - their fourth different owner during a turbulent campaign - while the staff and players at Fratton Park have seen their wages delayed for a fourth time this season.

But despite remaining rooted to the foot of the table following a 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Wednesday night, Grant is refusing to give up hope of survival and wants to see the same attitude from the players he sends out onto the pitch.

"We have shown over the past couple of months that when people thought we were down, we recovered and gave everything," said the Israeli coach.

"I have no doubt the players will give everything again against Manchester United.

"When you see the fact that they keep coming onto the pitch, again and again, giving everything that is good.

"I always believe - and I do not want to see anyone in my team who does not believe. This is football - anything can happen.

"I saw Manchester United in their last game against Arsenal, okay they played a bit quick for us, but you always have to face up to the challenge in a positive way."