Grant: 'You want me to tell you what I say to players?'

Avram Grant spent five minutes and 39 seconds ducking questions last night. Here is a transcript of his post-match interview at Goodison

Thursday 17 April 2008 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A deserved win Avram?

Yes

What particularly pleased you about the performance?

I'm pleased.

What in particular pleased you?

After an eight second delay: I don't know.

Is it a relief to win here?

Yes.

You seem lost for words by the performance. Are you more satisfied with the performance or the victory?

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.

How many steps have you climbed to undertake this press conference?

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 know 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 really. 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.

Do you feel under pressure to deliver a trophy. Is that the reason for the monosyllabic answers?

No.

Are you upset? Do you feel you have been misrepresented?

Maybe I am upset because it is a bad season.

Did Michael Essien faint?

He had some problems, but he is ok.

Michael Ballack?

Injured.

What's his problem?

Ask the doctor.

He's not here Avram.

We'll call him then.

Have you ever played the yes/no game Avram?

Grant leaves the room at this stage

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in