Avram Grant: Portsmouth gave their hearts – I could not ask for more

Posted Monday, April 12, 2010 by theguardian.com

Avram Grant: Portsmouth gave their hearts – I could not ask for more
Portsmouth's manager, Avram Grant, hugs Aruna Dindane, left, and Michael Brown after their win against Tottenham.

Avram Grant saluted the courage of Portsmouth and their magnificent supporters after his relegated side reached the FA Cup final with a 2-0 victory against Tottenham at Wembley.

The Frenchman Frédéric Piquionne and former Tottenham midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, from the penalty spot, scored the goals to take Portsmouth back to the Cup final for the second time in three years on the weekend they were consigned to the Coca-Cola Championship.

England's goalkeeper David James also produced the save of the match to deny Peter Crouch at the end of normal time.

"We had a belief and the courage to win this game, we knew we could do it," said Grant. "They are a good team with a great manager but tactically we played very well. The players gave their hearts. It was not easy.

"Five players were not 100% and some players did not play in their right position and we did not even have one defender on the bench. In spite of this we played football, scored two goals and I could not ask for more."

It was a good day, too, for Portsmouth's administrator, Andrew Andronikou, with the club guaranteed £900,000 in prize money for reaching the final, with another £1m coming from TV money and gate receipts.

For Grant, however, it was a fairytale after a season of turmoil in which the club was docked nine points for entering administration with debts of more than £70m.

"The way we did it after what has happened all this season and to see players give everything and not take the easy solution and not give up and to be in the final, it is a crazy day. We could write a book about the many things against us this season."

Grant will now lead out his side against his former club Chelsea next month. "Blues against blues," added Grant. "I'm very happy. I want to celebrate."

He did not forget the Pompey fans who sang themselves hoarse and stayed celebrating for an hour after the match had finished.

"This achievement belongs to the fans and the players. The players didn't give up. The fans showed how fans need to behave. They were behind the club despite everything. They are so great they deserve it. This club, this year, I will not forget it all my life."

Harry Redknapp branded the Wembley pitch a "disgrace" after players slipped on the treacherous surface throughout the game. The turf had a decisive role to play in the opening goal with the defender Michael Dawson slipping as he attempted to prevent Piquionne from shooting.

"The pitch is a disgrace, a disgrace. I won't use the pitch as an excuse because it was the same for both teams," said Redknapp. "But for any professional team to have to play football on that is farcical. How can you play on a pitch you can't stand up on?

"You have to spend the whole time making sure you don't fall over. That can't be right can it? It's farcical.

"Dawson slipped on it and I was here yesterday and saw people unable to keep their feet. It's unreal.

"I said before the game that anyone can slip on that pitch, so you'll have to be very careful. Yesterday I saw goalkeepers trying to kick balls but fall over. That's how bad the pitch is – it's rock hard and wet on top. It's impossible play on."

Despite venting his anger at the controversial Wembley turf that was heavily marked in some areas, Redknapp refused to blame it for the defeat.

Spurs missed a host of chances with Peter Crouch the worst offender, although the England striker did have a goal disallowed after Niko Kranjcar shoved David James in the build-up.

"It wasn't our day, sometimes it isn't. We had opportunities but we couldn't stick one away," added the Tottenham manager.

"It was a good goal that we had disallowed, I've watched it four or five times but that's how it goes.

"Full credit to Portsmouth. They're a threat – they have pace up front and out wide. They're always dangerous on the counter-attack.

"Full credit to Avram Grant. He's done a great job because they were well set up and organised. It was their day. I wish them every success in the final."

Tottenham resume their push for a Champions League place on Wednesday when they host Arsenal and Redknapp is relishing the prospect.

"We've got to try and get a fit team out for Wednesday night. We've got Arsenal and that's a massive game," he said.

"In my opinion I couldn't have asked for a better game. If I could choose a game, it would be Arsenal at home.