Grant Bites His Tongue and Plays Strange Yes/no Game

Avram Grant staged a bizarre post-match press conference at Goodison Park last night as the Chelsea manager steadfastly refused to expand on a victory that saved his slender hope of snatching the league title from Manchester United. The Chelsea manager, apparently angered by newspaper reaction to the draw with Wigan rather than Sky TV's decision to bring the game forward by 48 hours, produced a monosyllabic performance after the game.

Reporter: A deserved win, Avram?

Grant: "Yes."

What particularly pleased you about the performance? "I'm pleased."

What in particular pleased you? After a delay: "I don't know."

Is it a relief to win here? "Yes."

You seem lost for words. Are you more satisfied with the performance or the win? "Both."

You seem distracted. Do you have a problem? "No problem."

Is there an issue? "No. I'm ok. I have nothing to say."

Do you have a message for the Chelsea fans? "You represent the Chelsea fans?"

They must believe you are still in the title race, do you have a message for them? "No message."

Does this result mean you are back in it now? "I don't know."

You seem less voluble than usual. Is it because of Sky TV moving the game to a Thursday? "Maybe it's because of you. I don't know. I am OK."

You are saying that you don't know if you are still in the title race? "No."

Is it easier to say nothing, Avram? "I don't what to answer. It is a good question. I don't know what to answer."

Is this because Sky? "No. Sky is OK. I enjoy watching them."

Is it a protest against newspapers? "No. Why?"

Why else would you come in and refuse to answer our questions? "I answer every question."

You are two points behind Manchester United and you don't know if you are still in the title race? "No."

Have you told the players that you don't know if you are back in the title race? "What I tell the players is something else. You want me to tell you what I say to the players?"

We just want you to answer the question. Are you in the title race? "I don't know."

Would you not like to gain some positive publicity for the result rather than this bizarre silence? "I'm sorry. You can write whatever you want and I can answer what I want."

Have you ever played the yes/no game, Avram? No answer.