My Stay In Europe A Plus For Black Stars: Avram Grant

Ghana boss Avram Grant insist his regular stay in Europe is strictly for the benefit of the Black Stars.

The Israeli has been heavily criticised for his absence at local games and his regular stay in Europe but he claims it is easier for him to monitor the progress of Black Stars players up close than to do it from a distance.

The Israeli who flew out of Accra on Monday has no official engagement with the Black Stars till March when they play in a Nations Cup qualifier against Mozambique.

Grant compared his two week schedule in Ghana and in Europe and said there was no doubt which one gave him more value.

“The last week before I came here on Saturday I flew from the place that I was before in Italy to see Warris in France. The Sunday after I took a train to London and I saw Jordan Ayew on Monday which I like because he is improving his game. Thursday I saw Frank Acheampong, he is not here but he is in my list of 35 players and Saturday is the game. In between that I speak with players, managers amongst others.

“In two weeks when I was here before Rwanda, I saw AshantiGold become champions and then no other games. I enjoy this country but no games to watch,” he added.

Grant also suggested the rate at which players leave the country suggest there is a fundamental issue with the league that journalists are not prepared to face up to.

“ Your league is competitive but don’t lie to yourself, you need to face the truth, don’t be so sensitive,” he said “Last Friday two players went to Sudan and they only saw them to Sudan. Lawrence Lartey that won the cup the champion went to play in Africa instead to stay and try to win the African cup with his team the situation is because the money is not coming to this because their players are giving everything this is the situation so this is my job and this is what I need to do.”