Avram Grant believes Chelsea ‘dominated’ the Champions League final after their defeat to Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo put United ahead in Moscow but Frank Lampard levelled just before half-time and the Blues created out a number of chances including twice hitting the woodwork after the interval.
The game went to a penalty shootout and after Ronaldo’s miss, John Terry struck the post and United went on to win, but Grant refused to blame his captain.
“What can I say? We dominated the game, we hit the post two times and then we lost on penalties,” Grant said afterwards.
“JT is the main reason we are here. We had a difficult time and he is part of the team. The team played excellently and I am very proud.
“He was great all season, he was great in the semi-final and this game. He is the reason they didn’t create any chances – I feel sorry for him and the team.”
Grant, whose future at Stamford Bridge remains shrouded in uncertaintly, promised Chelsea fans his team will recover from the disappointment.
“It’s not the last time you will see Chelsea in the final,” the Israeli vowed.
“You will see us back and we will win the final.”
Chelsea goalscorer Frank Lampard backed Chelsea team-mate John Terry to bounce back from the blow of missing the crucial penalty. Terry was distraught after the game and left the pitch in tears.
“It is difficult because I know how it feels and there is not much you can say,” Lampard said.
“I just told him that it was a game a football and he was man enough to stand up and take it – but that won’t do him much good hearing that at the moment.
“John should have no worries because he is the strongest man I have met in football – one of the best men in football. An honest man.
“He slipped and missed. It doesn’t change anything for me. He is still the first person I want next to me in my team.”
