Beleaguered Chelsea boss Avram Grant has received backing from midfielder Michael Ballack, who has urged club owner Roman Abramovich to give the Israeli coach more time.

With reports suggesting that Avram Grant is in danger of losing his job unless he delivers either the Champions League or Premier League trophy to Stamford Bridge this season, Michael Ballack has argued that the manager should be given the time to mould his own side.

The Germany captain told the Daily Telegraph: "We work together - everybody. The coach is a part of the team. We need success. We need results. That gives the fans confidence in everybody, not just the coach.

"He's new this season and it isn't easy when you change the coach during the season, especially for a team like us with strong characters.

"But, just like with new players, a manager has to get used to the team. You need a little bit of time and you also need success. That's the normal way because that keeps you in credit with the fans."

All season Grant has had to put up with comparisons between himself with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Ballack, though, said: "I don't like to compare coaches because everyone has his own character and works differently.

"Look at my managers for the national team - Rudi Voller, Jurgen Klinsmann, Joachim Low - everyone is different. Jose [Mourinho] is different to Avram. That's why owners change managers - because they expect something new.

"I remember they compared the games managed by Jose and the ones managed by Avram to see who won the most. But the season isn't over so you can't make conclusions like that. It's too early. You can only do that when the season is over."