Mourinho Warns Grant Not To Interfere

The first hint of renewed tension at Stamford Bridge has come with a warning from manager Jose Mourinho that he will be his own man at Chelsea and that the club's new director of football, Avram Grant, should not to interfere with his job.

Grant, the ex-Israel and friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, joined the Blues from Portsmouth last week and will sit on the club's board, to whom he will report regularly.

Mourinho said: "He's here to give some support to different areas in the club and for me that is not a problem."

But he added: "From my point of view, he must not interfere with the power I have in relation to my job."

Grant flew out with Mourinho and his squad to Los Angeles on Monday to be part of Chelsea's pre-season preparations.

The club have said Grant will be responsible for "liaison on, and co-ordination of, football matters across the various areas of Chelsea."

Although Mourinho ostensibly welcomed the appointment of Portsmouth's former technical director, he clarified those areas where he would not tolerate Grant's input.

The Portuguese tactician said: "I think the club was very clear in the statement they put out.
"If you want to know more about his work ethic, you'll have to speak with him.
"He's here to give some support to different areas in the club and for me that is not a problem."