Ultimatum

Last updated : 26 September 2007 By Editor

"I think I have the backing of the players, but I can only judge by their actions or what they say to me," Grant said. "Judging by their reaction against Manchester United [in the defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday] Chelsea can be proud of them as they were very professional and I didn't see one problem.

"Every new coach that comes in, the players will ask who he is and what to expect of him. I ask the same questions of myself. When you have 25 players in the squad, sometimes one or two aren't happy, but I didn't see that. I'm positive but know it can't always be 100 per cent happiness. For the first few days it's better than I thought and I'm sure it will be better from now on.

"Look, we haven't played so well this season.

"We played one game against Birmingham City which was fantastic, we played well for 20 minutes against Reading. Apart from that, we didn't play well, didn't score enough goals. There are many things to improve upon.

"The team has had periods of time for three years where Chelsea have played good, but maybe the time has come to change the base a little bit, maybe 20 to 25 per cent. We want to give the supporters a style of football. The time has come in the last month to change things."