History beckons for hopeful Grant

Chelsea FC coach Avram Grant looked to draw a line under the past as he prepared for a tie that could determine his future at Stamford Bridge. Defeat Liverpool FC and reach the final of the UEFA Champions League and perhaps Grant will finally emerge from the long shadow cast by his predecessor José Mourinho. Lose and the pressure Grant has been living under these last few weeks could become intolerable.

Make history
As he faced the press his focus was absolute. Like a mantra, he spoke repeatedly of "making history" – refusing to be knocked off line as he was questioned about attempting to achieve what Mourinho had twice failed to do, advancing past Liverpool and into the final. "I'm telling you, when you have an opportunity to make history for this club, you can speak about a lot of things," Grant said. "You can speak about this, about that, about what's happened, but I think it's more important for us to look only at this game and the next one ... and to make history."

Successful run
When Grant, 52, replaced Mourinho in September, few predicted Chelsea would be in this position now. They had just drawn at home to Rosenborg BK and had slumped to fourth in the Premier League after being held at home by Blackburn Rovers FC. Seven months on, they are two games away from a first UEFA Champions League final and still battling for the English title. Manchester United FC may top the table by three points, but should Chelsea beat the leaders at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Sir Alex Ferguson's team will face a nerve-shredding climax to the campaign.

Results speak
Still, though, Grant cannot shake off his critics. Chelsea are not playing with the style promised when the Israeli took charge and while the results keep coming – most recently a gutsy victory across Stanley Park at Everton FC last Thursday – Chelsea fans have been made to sweat for every point and win. "Look, I don't think I need to speak about myself or justify things," Grant said. "The results speak for themselves. We are here in the semi-final because we reached the semi-final. On Saturday we will challenge for the championship because we are the only ones who can challenge Manchester United. If someone wants to ignore the facts, it's OK, that's his problem."

'Good pressure'
Grant's immediate problem is Liverpool and, for now, Chelsea supporters would willingly sacrifice style to see their side grind out victory at Anfield. For all the many tests Grant has faced in England, this is the biggest so far, and it is one he is relishing. "It's pressure, but it's a good pressure. To come to the semi-final and then the final, it's a pressure I hope I will have all my life. We can create history for this club. These words by themselves make me excited and I don't pay attention to other things at this moment."