Benitez to leave Chelsea

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season. Benitez also accuses the club's fans of 'wasting time making banners' instead of supporting the team.

Live updates

Benitez stands by explosive comments

Rafael Benitez has told the BBC that he will see out the season at Chelsea, but that he stands by his tirade against the club yesterday.

He told Football Focus that his relationship with club owner Roman Abramovich is still " very good."

Rafael Benitez has stood by his recent criticisms of the Chelsea team but said he will see out the season Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The Spaniard reiterated his problems with the fans saying, "we were winning yesterday [against Middlesbrough] and still they were singing - I think that will not do our team any favours."

Advertisement

Bookies favour Mourinho to replace Benitez

Labrokes favour former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho over Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp to replace Rafa Benitez:

William Hill offer 10/1 on Benitez to have left the club by noon today and 3/1 on an exit by 3pm on Saturday:

Club site plays down Benitez comments

A report on the official Chelsea website makes little mention of Rafa Benitez's angry tirade at fans last night.

The article plays down the incident, saying instead that the manger merely "expressed his wish for the fans to unite in creating a positive atmosphere":

In addition to considering the action on the pitch on Wednesday evening, Benitez expressed his wish for the fans to unite in creating a positive atmosphere for the team to play in at our games.

'It will be much better for everyone to have a good atmosphere and to back the players,' he said.

– chelseafc.com

Rafael Benitez reveals plan to leave Chelsea

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez revealed during a press conference last night that he will stand down at the end of the season.

Speaking after Chelsea's 2-0 win against Middlesbrough, Benitez said he was "disappointed" with some fans who he described as "wasting time" making negative banners instead of supporting the club.

He also revealed that he did not expect the word "interim" to be added to his title when he signed his contract:

A selection of anti-Rafa banners made by Chelsea fans

Chelsea's interim manager Rafael Benitez has complained about fans "wasting time" by making negative banners. Here is a selection of anti-Benitez banners over the years:

Chelsea fans hold an anti-Rafa banner in the stands at Stamford Bridge Credit: Nick Potts/PA Wire
More anti-Rafa banners at a Chelsea v FC Nordsjaelland match Credit: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport
Chelsea fans with a banner in support of ex-Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo Credit: Nick Potts/PA Wire
Chelsea fans with a banner in the stands asking for a return to former manager Jose Mourinho Credit: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport
Chelsea fans hold banners in support of the then-suspended Manager Jose Mourinho Credit: Matthias Schrader/DPA/Press Association Images

Advertisement

Chealsea fans give their reactions to Rafa outburst

Chelsea fans have been giving their reactions to interim manager Rafael Benitez's outburst on Twitter:

Lineker: 'Benitez might depart sooner after rant at fans'

Load more updates Back to top

Latest ITV News reports