Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has claimed there is no “secret” to the club's success and declared: “We are a great team on and off the pitch.”
The Russian made a rare public appearance to accept an award for Best Club Director in European football from Italian sports daily Tuttosport.
She has been a a Chelsea director since 2013 with the responsibility for the transfer market and contracts.
Roman Abramovich’s club won the Champions League last season under new coach Thomas Tuchel.
And Granovskaia said: ““It’s strange to receive a personal award for team’s achievements.
“I didn’t even know it existed, by I am excited to receive it, because it’s the result of the team’s work.”
What is the biggest achievement of Marina Granovskaia's time at Chelsea? Have your say in the comments section
“There isn’t a secret to Chelsea’s successes,” she continued.
“Or at least, I don’t know it. Otherwise, it would be easier to win year by year. But I know that there is daily teamwork and communication behind every success. Chelsea are a great team on and off the pitch.”
The West London club have strong links with Italy with former players Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Di Matteo working as head coaches while Gianfranco Zola was assistant to Maurizio Sarri.
“Now we have [Carlo] Cudicini in the staff and Jorginho on the pitch,” Granovskaia said.
“We are not as Italian as we used to be, perhaps this is a German period, but the bond with Italy is still very strong and will never end.”
Barcelona ’s Pedri won the Golden Boy award for Best Young Player in Europe ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. Robert Lewandowski won the Golden Player of 2021.
