Source: Daily_Mail
Avram Grant confirms he will miss West Ham's clash with Stoke clash to observe Yom Kippur
West Ham boss Avram Grant has confirmed he will not attend the clash with Stoke as he observes the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. [LNB]It had been hoped the Hammers boss could find a way of attending and easing the sense of anxiety among fans but not offending people in Israel. [LNB]However, Grant today confirmed that he will not be making an appearance on the touchline as the east London club vie for their first points of the season at the Britannia. [LNB]Defender Tal Ben Haim will also miss out for the same reason. [LNB] Absent: Grant will not travel with the team to Stoke as he observes the Jewish holy day[LNB]Grant said: 'I will not be at the stadium. This is a very significant day and out of respect for my father and to mother, especially after all they have gone through, the traditions of thousands of years, it is one day in the year that I always respect, since I have been a child.[LNB]'Unfortunately it came on this Saturday, but I am going to respect it. I have a lot of respect for thousands of years of tradition, which I think a lot of people can understand.[LNB]'I have players from all religions, and they know that there needs to be respect for the traditions. I didn't notice any negative reaction. Everyone was very positive and even the rector Alan [club chaplain Rev Alan Bolding] came to visit me today.[LNB]'We have had a lot of e-mails, a lot of support from the board, the owners and the fans.'[LNB] Hard times: West Ham lost their latest game against Chelsea on Saturday[LNB]West Ham have lost all of their four games so far, and sit rock bottom of the table. However, Grant - appointed as Gianfranco Zola's replacement in the summer - maintains his focus is as strong as ever.[LNB]'All my life I feel under pressure. I don't want to live without this pressure,' said the former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss.[LNB]'I was in a team at the top and when you drew it was a pressure. I was at a team with problems and I was with the national team where you have the pressure of all the country on your back.[LNB]I don't think it is a good pressure, but the pressure to push you is a good pressure.[LNB]'Even though we have zero points, I believe in this team, that we can have a good season. We know what our target is and it didn't change.[LNB]'Against the best team in the country [Chelsea], we didn't give up. We deserved more than we got, but in football there is no deserve. I know that it's very difficult for any team to play at the Britannia Stadium, but it's also a good challenge.'[LNB] EXCLUSIVE: West Ham boss Grant in late bid for Stoke despite Yom KippurWest Ham hate figure Ince reopens old wounds: 'I want to be your boss'Ben Haim backs West Ham to beat Stoke but he'll miss out on Yom KippurWEST HAM UNITED FC
