Hoddle v Grant

Think the scepticism about Avram Grant's ability and future is simply generated by doom-mongering journalists who miss the scatterquote Jose Mourino? Have a read of these quotes from Glenn Hoddle, speaking on Sky Sports on Wednesday night during coverage of Chelsea versus Liverpool. Not surprisingly given the kind of player he was, the former Chelsea and England manager would like to see prettier football.

They dig in, they’re very economical, but the owner wants more, there’s no doubt about that," Hoddle said. "[Roman Abramovich] looks at Arsenal, he looks at Barcelona and he looks at Man United and he looks at free-flowing football.  He’s not going to get that.  He’s spent a lot of money on this team and they’re not getting that and that’s why he’s disgruntled, that’s why…..I don’t’ know if he’s here tonight, they tell me he’s hasn’t been since the League Cup Final and I think he wants better football out there.

He’s spent a hell of a lot of money. You’re talking about two players; Drogba, if he gets injured then you’re not going to win the final!  They’ve spent millions and we’re talking about one or two players and whether they’re going to get success."

And there's more: "The owner wants better football, that’s why he got rid of Mourinho. Are they getting better football since Mourinho went? No. They’re getting effective football, they’re in the Champions League final, that’s fantastic, they’re still in the Premiership, they’re an economical side, a powerful side, they’re mentally strong and they’ve got talent but I tell you, they’re not the side that the owner wants, and the worry for me as an ex-Chelsea man, if he picks his toys up and runs I’m scared for Chelsea Football Club.”

Meanwhile, here are Sky's stats for metres run during the 120 minutes...

Chelsea
Ballack – 14,542
Lampard – 14, 234
Makelele – 13,746
Essien – 13,113
Drogba – 12,890
Team average – 12,705

Liverpool
Alonso – 15,309
Kuyt – 14,355
Riise – 13,978
Gerrard – 13,923
Mascherano – 13,239
Torres – 10,337
Team average – 13,018