Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham boss Avram Grant handed break in relegation dogfight
Avram Grant spoke of his relief at receiving no new injuries during the international break as he prepares West Ham for the fight to beat the drop.[LNB]The Hammers manager was speaking after the likes of Freddy Piquionne and Demba Ba returned fit and ready to face Premier League leaders Manchester United at Upton Park on Saturday. [LNB] Relieved: Avram Grant[LNB]He said: 'The injury situation is better, it looks like everybody is fit, but you never know.'[LNB]However, the 56 year old was less impressed by his players having to play international friendly matches in March. [LNB]His star midfielder Scott Parker remained with the England squad, but didn't play in the 1-1 draw with Ghana on Tuesday.[LNB]In an effort to find favour with Carlo Ancelotti, Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp, Capello decided five England players - John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney and Michael Dawson - who featured in the 2-0 win over Wales on Saturday and are due to be in Champions League combat nextmonth, could return early to their clubs.[LNB]He said: 'I would have liked Scott Parker back earlier but I understood Capello's position.'[LNB]Grant believes the blame lies elsewhere. 'It's FIFA and UEFA who need to think about this. It's no good for the clubs or the national team.'[LNB] Key man: Scott Parker challenges Wales' Steve Morison [LNB]In the Premier League, Grant's team lie just above the relegation zone and the manager believes 'every team can be in 11th place or relegation, we just need to think about ourselves.'[LNB]'I don't believe there is a set number of points you need, because you never know. No manager knows how many points you will need.'[LNB]This Saturday they face leaders Man United and despite a 4-0 Carling Cup victory earlier in the season, Grant doesn't believe that result will have an effect. 'It was unique.'[LNB]The former Portsmouth manager is an admirer of Sir Alex Ferguson, but won't have him nearby on Saturday. [LNB]Fergie will continue his touchline ban for comments about referee Martin Atkinson and Grant believes 'the refs take it too personally sometimes'.[LNB]'When the referee makes a mistake it is part of the game, they are not computers. They can be wrong. They need to accept that a manager, as long as they don't question the integrity of the ref, can say if the ref was right or wrong,' he said.[LNB]Meanwhile, Grant backed Mark Noble's suggestion that the Hammers have the potential to get into the Champions League - if they can avoid the drop.[LNB]'We first need to focus on staying in the league. I do agree with Mark though. We can do better. We want to be in the top third of the league, that is the vision,' he said.[LNB]A result against Man United this Saturday would be a significant boost to their chances of survival and Grant believes his team have come a long way in the second half of the season.[LNB]'We're not an easy team to beat', he said. The Red Devils will find out on Saturday.[LNB] Sportsmail's experts deliver their verdicts on the season so far...Retired ex-England ace Ashton: I just need to fall in love with football againSpurs weigh up ?1m legal challenge over Olympic Stadium decision[LNB] [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, John Terry, Michael Dawson, Harry Redknapp, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Carlo Ancelotti, Martin Atkinson Places: United Kingdom, Ghana, Wales
