Joe Cole maintains Avram Grant is the right man to drive Chelsea on towards both European and domestic glory.

The Israeli coach - who took over from fans' favourite Jose Mourinho in September last year - continues to face speculation over his future despite pressing Manchester United to the last game in the race for the Premier League title and also guiding the west London club into their first Champions League final.

Given such achievements, particularly in the Champions League, in which his predecessor never managed to reach the last two, Grant still finds it strange his long-term role is called into question.

The 52-year-old - who has a strong relationship with Russian owner Roman Abramovich - insists he will be in charge at the start of next season, and midfielder Cole firmly believes Chelsea have the perfect blend for continued success.

"It is part and parcel of being a manager or a footballer - there is always someone ready to have a pop at you," said the England international. "I don't pay any attention to what those people think of me, and I am sure Avram doesn't either. He has got broad shoulders."

"There are people who will say if you win one game you are a God, and if you lose one game then you are the biggest duffer to have ever played football.

"If you look back at it, with all that has happened here, you have to say the club is going in the right direction.

"But we are not too interested in plaudits - you want trophies.

"We fought United all the way for the title and we are disappointed not to have won, but credit has to go to the whole squad and everyone around the place who have kept it going, shown real steel and determination.

"If we were to win in Moscow, then we would be going full speed ahead again.

"The Champions League final is the top of the mountain, the benchmark for any club. To win it is a massive achievement," added the 26-year-old.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men feel they now have the psychological advantage heading into the clash at the Luzhniki Stadium after their Premier League triumph.

However Cole - who was part of the team which beat United at Stamford Bridge only three weeks ago to ensure the title race would go down to the wire - maintains the way in which Chelsea finished the regular season in such strong form will send a message that they are not finished yet.

"Of course, we will be going in as underdogs because they have got the championship," Cole reflected.

"But also United will be looking at Chelsea and thinking that despite all the injury problems and turmoil which the club has had to deal with this year, we finished just two points behind them.

"They know we will strengthen in the summer, and whatever happens in Moscow, the people in charge [at Chelsea] are doing a great job and we are going in the right direction, that's for sure."