But let’s be honest, some sections of the press have been out to get Avram Grant ever since he was appointed. Perhaps it’s because Fabio Capello is relatively untouchable as England manager at the moment that elements of the media decide to stage a witch-hunt against the Chelsea manager, who is simply trying to get on with his job.

The Guardian reports that after Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Everton on Thursday night, the following exchange took place between a reporter and Grant. Make of it what you will.

Reporter: A deserved win, Avram?

Grant: “Yes.”

What particularly pleased you about the performance? “I’m pleased.”

What in particular pleased you? After a delay: “I don’t know.”

Is it a relief to win here? “Yes.”

You seem lost for words. Are you more satisfied with the performance or the win? “Both.”

You seem distracted. Do you have a problem? “No problem.”

Is there an issue? “No. I’m ok. I have nothing to say.”

Do you have a message for the Chelsea fans? “You represent the Chelsea fans?”

They must believe you are still in the title race, do you have a message for them? “No message.”

Does this result mean you are back in it now? “I don’t know.”

You seem less voluble than usual. Is it because of Sky TV moving the game to a Thursday? “Maybe it’s because of you. I don’t know. I am OK.”

You are saying that you don’t know if you are still in the title race? “No.”

Is it easier to say nothing, Avram? “I don’t what to answer. It is a good question. I don’t know what to answer.”

Is this because Sky? “No. Sky is OK. I enjoy watching them.”

Is it a protest against newspapers? “No. Why?”

Why else would you come in and refuse to answer our questions? “I answer every question.”

You are two points behind Manchester United and you don’t know if you are still in the title race? “No.”

Have you told the players that you don’t know if you are back in the title race? “What I tell the players is something else. You want me to tell you what I say to the players?”

We just want you to answer the question. Are you in the title race? “I don’t know.”

Would you not like to gain some positive publicity for the result rather than this bizarre silence? “I’m sorry. You can write whatever you want and I can answer what I want.”

Have you ever played the yes/no game, Avram? No answer.

Does anyone feel a bit sorry for Avram Grant? Sure enough, he’s getting paid stacks of cash and he chose to take the job. But it appears that he’s being shown a complete lack of respect, compared to that afforded to his predecessor Jose Mourinho, as well as the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. Sadly, the Chelsea manager has done little to help his cause with the above, perhaps he should have appointed an assistant to field the questions instead.

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