Terry backs Grant over final team

Grant's decisions have not been a problem for Terry

Chelsea captain John Terry has given his support to manager Avram Grant over his Carling Cup team selection policy.

Reports have suggested some players are upset by Grant's choices for Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Tottenham - and the way they were communicated to the squad.

But Terry insisted: "The manager keeps it very close to his chest. That is how it has been in every game.

"That is the way it has got to be. It keeps everyone on their toes - and as players, we have to deal with it."

Chelsea were beaten by a Jonathan Woodgate header in extra-time as Spurs won their first trophy since 1999.

Terry admitted defeat was hard to take but quickly pointed to the Blues' chances of securing silverware elsewhere this season, and issued a rallying cry to his team-mates.

I have to accept it, like everyone else who was not playing Michael Ballack

He added: "We are still in three massive competitions. The Premier League is not over. We go away to West Ham next week, then we have the Champions League and FA Cup after that.

"We can do one of two things - we can dwell on it and get knocked out of another competition, or we take this defeat and pick ourselves up and go again.

"The determination and will to win is still there. We hate losing in training, in small games and big games.

"There are a lot of big teams still to come to Stamford Bridge, and we will see after that."

Germany captain Michael Ballack has also said players have to accept it when they are not picked.

Ballack, who has been in good form in recent weeks, started Sunday's final on the bench, only coming on later as Chelsea chased the game.

606: DEBATE Grant's team selection and poor substitutions contributed to the Blues' demise mc_blue

He said: "I have to accept it, like everyone else who was not playing.

"It was a decision from the coach. The team sheet was put up before the game - and that was it."

And the midfielder echoed Terry's thoughts that Chelsea must put their disappointment behind them and concentrate on what lies ahead.

"We have to keep going in other competitions, because we are still a strong team with chances to win things," said Ballack.

"We have to start again. You want to win every trophy. We've lost one - and now we need to go for the others."