Sports News of Tuesday, 7 March 2017

Source: goal.com

Grant: I didn't go to Ghana as a tourist

Avram Grant, former Black Stars coach Avram Grant, former Black Stars coach

Former Ghana coach Avram Grant has shed light on one of the most controversial topics of his two-year stint.

The Israeli took over the Black Stars in December 2014 and brought his reign to an end last month following a disappointing showing at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

During his time, Grant had always been chastised for not staying in Ghana to monitor the local league, culminating in his snub of home-based players in his squad selections.

"The Ghana FA asked me to do my best for the Black Stars and also try to help [locally], which I tried very much," Grant said, as reported by StarrSportsGh.

“How can I do it [stay in Ghana] if the players are playing abroad before I came?

“I went the extra mile for the national team of Ghana, [more] than I did before for a club. Coaching a national team is not easy.

“I didn’t go to Ghana as a tourist, stay in the country and spend a good time.

"I could stay in the country, spend a good time and during the weekend, I go and watch a local league [game].

“But when I’m in Europe, I need to fly every two days to see a player. The best and experienced players for the national team are all based abroad."

Grant had, prior to his Ghana appointment, coached a host of clubs including English giants Chelsea and Portsmouth.