LONDON: Rafael Benitez, the under-pressure Chelsea interim manager, urged all connected with the club to unite yesterday as he tried to get irate fans onside.
Benitez has faced renewed calls for his dismissal after he launched an astonishing attack on the club’s supporters and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy following Chelsea’s 2-0 victory at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday.
“What I said is we have 11 games to play, 33 points (to play for), we must stick together and get behind the team,” Benitez told yesterday’s news conference.
“We need the (supportive) atmosphere of Arsenal and Napoli,” the Spaniard added in reference to previous games when the crowd had helped Chelsea grind out results.
“The message is clear -- I have no problem with the board, Michael Emenalo (Chelsea’s technical director), Roman Abramovich or the players. I will do the best for the club. I have 26 years of principles, respect and education to achieve what I have.”
“I would like to see a fantastic atmosphere supporting the team, and I will be really pleased with that,” he said.
The 52-year-old, despised by many Chelsea fans following his spell with their rivals Liverpool, risked the wrath of Blues’ owner Abramovich by asking why the club insisted on making him an “interim” manager when he replaced the sacked Roberto di Matteo in November.
Benitez’s outburst at Middlesbrough sparked speculation his position was in immediate danger, but he took training as scheduled as the European champions prepared for today’s Premier League game with West Bromwich Albion.
Benitez, said he had no problem with his status.
“It’s not an issue now,” he explained. “I said before... One thing’s a mistake. Another’s an issue. Now it’s not an issue,” he said yesterday. AFP
