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Former Chelsea manager says Roman Abramovich didn’t speak to him for four days before getting sacked

Former Chelsea manager says Roman Abramovich didn’t speak to him for four days before getting sacked

Roman Abramovich’s reign at Chelsea came to an end last year

Marcus Chan

Marcus Chan

A former Chelsea manager has revealed how Roman Abramovich went silent for four days before sacking him.

Abramovich kickstarted Chelsea’s journey to the top of English football after taking over the club in 2003.

Under Abramovich's ownership, Chelsea won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups and Champions Leagues. The Russian's time as Blues owner ended last year as a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly completed a £4.5 billion takeover.

Back in July 2007, the Russian businessman hired Avram Grant as director of football.

Grant found himself as the interim manager two months after his arrival due to the departure of Jose Mourinho.

Under the guidance of Grant, Chelsea went all the way to the 2008 Champions League final.

However, the Blues were beaten on penalties by Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.

The Israeli later revealed that Abramovich went silent for four days before informing him that he will no longer be the manager.

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PA Images

Grant was offered the chance to return to the director of football role but declined and left the club.

Speaking on the Paramount+ programme ‘Fever Pitch: The Battle for the Premier League’, Grant said: “We came second place (in the league), but I remember I think in my first or second (press conference), I said that my target is to be first time in Champions League final.

“[Roman] Abramovich didn’t call me [after the final]. Three, four days we didn’t speak. And then he called me to his house and he said, We need to prepare the season, the next season.

“So I say, Okay. And he said to me, you are continuing the job as director of football. So, okay. And I didn’t agree to be director of football, and I left.”

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He added: “I felt upset because I felt that we are so close to be the best in the world. We were so close. But he’s the boss. He’s my friend. We need to respect that.

“I didn’t agree with this, but I will always remember also that he gave me the chance.”

After leaving the Stamford Bridge club, Grant went on to manage teams like Portsmouth, West Ham and Ghana.

Currently, he is the head coach of the Zambia national team.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Roman Abramovich, Chelsea, Football