AVRAM 'BELIEVES HE WILL BE BOSS'

Avram Grant believes he will be Chelsea manager next season after winning the backing of Roman Abramovich, according to reports.

Chelsea's Russian owner was there at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to see the Stamford Bridge crowd give the Israeli a very warm reception.

The pair had talks after Chelsea narrowly missed out on winning the Premier League and Grant has reportedly been given the impression that he will continue next season despite suggestions that Frank Rijkaard will take over.

A 'close pal' told the Daily Mirror: "Avram feels he has the backing of Roman and the club, and that it will now be down to him.

"He doesn't quite understand why there's so much speculation, because he has always felt that was the way things were going to be heading.

"As he has always said, if the club don't want him, they only have to let him know.

"Avram is convinced the team was on the way down under Jose Mourinho, and that change was required.

"But he can only really change things and bring the style of football both he and Roman want if he can bring in the players capable of playing in a different way, not ones who have been conditioned by three years of Jose.

"Now Avram is planning for next season. He believes he will be manager next season."