Avram Grant, Israeli football manager

Avraham "Avram" Grant: A Profile in Global Football Management

Avraham "Avram" Grant, born Avraham Granat on May 6, 1955, is a distinguished Israeli professional football manager whose extensive career spans several decades and continents. Renowned for his tactical acumen and ability to operate in diverse footballing environments, Grant has left his indelible mark on both club and international football, achieving significant milestones across various leagues and competitions.

Early Career and Success in Israel

Grant dedicated the foundational years and the majority of his coaching career to the vibrant landscape of Israeli football. During this impactful period, he meticulously built his reputation as a formidable manager, leading a multitude of top-tier clubs to considerable domestic glory. His tenure saw him secure a commendable number of prestigious national league championships and revered cup victories, unequivocally showcasing his early prowess in managing competitive teams and meticulously developing winning strategies. This substantial foundation of success in his home country, where he honed his skills and understanding of the game, eventually culminated in his esteemed appointment as the manager of the Israel national football team. He held this significant national role for a dedicated four-year period, during which he guided the national side through various crucial international qualification campaigns.

Transition to English Football and Prominence at Chelsea

A pivotal shift in Avram Grant's career occurred in 2006 when he made a significant move to the globally renowned English football scene. His initial role was as the technical director for Portsmouth Football Club. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the club's football operations, including youth development, scouting networks, and long-term planning. His evident expertise and strategic insights were quickly recognised by one of England's premier clubs, leading to his subsequent appointment as director of football at Chelsea in July 2007. This was a crucial step into the upper echelons of European football.

Remarkably, just two months later, in September 2007, Grant was thrust into one of the most high-profile managerial roles in world football. Following the unexpected and high-profile departure of then-manager José Mourinho, Avram Grant was appointed as Chelsea's new manager. His appointment garnered significant media attention and was perceived by many as a surprising choice, given his relatively lower profile in European club management at that time.

Despite the immense pressure and challenging circumstances of taking over a top Premier League club mid-season, Grant's tenure at Chelsea was nothing short of remarkably impactful. He adeptly navigated the team through a demanding schedule, impressively guiding them to the final of both the elite UEFA Champions League and the domestic League Cup. In the thrilling 2008 UEFA Champions League Final, Chelsea fiercely contested against fellow English footballing giant Manchester United, ultimately succumbing in a dramatic penalty shootout. Similarly, in the 2008 League Cup Final, his side suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat after extra time against Tottenham Hotspur. Beyond these cup competitions, Grant also managed to keep Chelsea in the intense hunt for the coveted Premier League title until the very last day of the season, showcasing his exceptional ability to compete effectively at the absolute highest level of club football. However, despite these widely acknowledged and notable achievements in his debut season as a Premier League manager, his contract was controversially terminated by the club at the end of the 2007-08 campaign.

Subsequent Managerial Roles in England

Avram Grant's journey in English football continued with further managerial challenges.

• Portsmouth (2009-2010): In October 2009, he returned to Portsmouth, initially resuming his role as director of football. However, his strategic input quickly translated into direct managerial responsibility, as he was appointed manager the very next month. This period at Portsmouth was fraught with immense difficulties, as the club grappled with severe financial turmoil that eventually led to administration and significant points deductions. Despite Grant's dedicated efforts and admirable attempts to steer the club through its crisis, Portsmouth was ultimately relegated to the Football League Championship. Following this relegation, he resigned from his position.
• West Ham United (2010-2011): In June 2010, Grant accepted another demanding managerial role in the Premier League, taking charge of West Ham United. His tenure at the London club, however, proved to be similarly challenging. The team struggled significantly to maintain its Premier League status throughout the 2010-11 season. Consequently, Grant was ultimately sacked in May 2011 after West Ham United suffered relegation to the Football League Championship, marking another difficult chapter in his career within English football.

International and Global Ventures

Following his extensive experiences in England, Avram Grant expanded his managerial expertise across various international leagues and national teams, further solidifying his reputation as a truly global football manager.

• Partizan Belgrade (2012): He ventured to Serbia, taking charge of Partizan Belgrade for one highly successful championship season (2011-12). Under his astute leadership, Partizan triumphantly secured the Serbian SuperLiga title, adding another significant domestic league triumph to his already impressive resume.
• BEC Tero Sasana (2014): After his rewarding stint in Serbia, Grant moved to Thailand, where he served as the technical director for the Thai club BEC Tero Sasana for one season. This role allowed him to contribute his vast experience to the club's long-term football development and strategic planning, focusing on academy structures and player pathways.
• Ghana National Team (2014-2017): In 2014, Grant was appointed as the distinguished head coach of the Ghana national football team, famously known as the "Black Stars," one of Africa's most prominent footballing nations. He skillfully led the team through several challenging African Cup of Nations campaigns. His most notable achievement with Ghana was competently guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Following their defeat in the semi-finals, Grant amicably stepped down from his position, concluding his three-year tenure with the West African powerhouse.
• NorthEast United FC (2018): In January 2018, Grant continued his fascinating global journey by moving to India to join NorthEast United FC, a team competing in the rapidly growing Indian Super League (ISL). He was brought in as a technical advisor, arriving just a day after the club's head coach, João de Deus, had been sacked due to a challenging start to the season. In this vital advisory capacity, Grant provided crucial strategic guidance and technical expertise to the Indian club, aiming to improve their on-field performance and long-term development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avram Grant

What is Avram Grant's nationality?

Avram Grant is an Israeli professional football manager, born in Israel.

Which major clubs has Avram Grant managed in England?

In England, Avram Grant has managed three prominent clubs: Chelsea, Portsmouth (twice as manager), and West Ham United.

Did Avram Grant win any trophies with Chelsea?

While Avram Grant did not win any trophies during his tenure as Chelsea's manager, he notably led the team to the finals of both the prestigious UEFA Champions League and the League Cup, and they competed fiercely for the Premier League title until the very final day of the 2007-08 season, which is considered a significant achievement.

What was Avram Grant's achievement with Partizan Belgrade?

Avram Grant successfully led Partizan Belgrade to win the Serbian SuperLiga title during the 2011-12 season, demonstrating his ability to secure league championships outside of Israel and England.

When did Avram Grant manage the Ghana national team?

Avram Grant managed the Ghana national football team, known as the "Black Stars," from 2014 until he stepped down from his position after their defeat in the semi-finals of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.