Andriy Shevchenko has urged his Chelsea team-mates to back the new manager Avram Grant following Jose Mourinho’s departure.
Shevchenko’s disappointing performances following his arrival from Milan and his alleged close friendships with club owner Roman Abramovich have been suggested as the reason for the breakdown in Mourinho’s relationship with the club.
But Shevchenko insists that the players should concentrate on getting behind Grant.
Shevchenko said: “It’s a difficult moment for the club, the players, the team, because of big changes in the house, so it’s a moment for the players to stick together and do our best for the club.
“I know him (Grant) as director of football with the team, like every player. He tries now as a manager and every player has the same relationship.”
Chelsea have failed to win their last three Premier League games culmnating in last Sunday’s defeat to champions Manchester Unitred at Old Trafford.
Shevchenko added: ‘United was a tough game, and after 30 minutes playing with 10, the team played well, were good in defence and tried our best on the pitch.
“We played against Manchester United with 10 and that’s very difficult. To score a goal there also is very difficult.”
