Grant would be 'happy to let Rijkaard become Chelsea boss', claims Portsmouth's Hughes

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 04:27 EST, 7 May 2008

Avram Grant will be happy to step down as Chelsea boss and let Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard take over at Stamford Bridge.

That's the view of Grant's close friend, Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes.

He told The Sun: "This will take place with Avram's blessing. He is a modest guy who does not particularly like being in the limelight.

Rijkaard: Abramovich admires the Barca style of play

"He'd be happy to revert to the role where he acts as a link between the coaching staff and the board." Grant has led Chelsea to the Champions League final and kept them in the Premier League title race with Manchester United until the last day of the season.

Yet Hughes, who became close friends with Grant while he was director of football at Pompey, believes the Israeli will step down even if he completes an historic Double.

Hughes added: "Avram is a student of football. I had countless conversations with him when he was here about Barca, their players and the way they play.

"It is well known Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is an admirer of Barcelona and the football they play.

"He seems to be on a crusade to bring a similar brand of play to Stamford Bridge.

"A big reason for Jose Mourinho leaving was that Abramovich wanted to see a type of football the Special One was not delivering."

Rijkaard will leave the Nou Camp at the end of this campaign having lost the title to Real Madrid. Reserve-team coach Josep Guardiola is his likely successor.

Hughes, who is understood to have spoken with Grant last week, thinks the manager will revert to his post as director of football, making way for the Dutchman.

Hughes added: "He is not in it for personal glory and could go about his business outside of the limelight."