Stamford Bridge

Next Game

Chelsea v Man City

Thursday, 23 May 2013, 01:30

Friendly Match

Stamford Bridge

Last Game

Chelsea 2 - 1 Everton

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

Benitez: Boos don't bother me

Rafa Benitez insists he was not bothered to be greeted to Stamford Bridge by a chorus of boos from Chelsea fans.

Last Updated: 26/11/12 at 09:43 Post Comment

Benitez' first game in charge since taking over as interim manager was a drab 0-0 draw with Manchester City.

But as he emerged from the tunnel at the beginning of the game, many home fans made it clear they were not happy with his appointment, or the dismissal of his predecessor Roberto di Matteo.

Benitez though brushed off the boos, telling Sky Sports: "I am focused on the game, I don't listen to the crowd.

"The main thing was the team on the pitch. I was not listening, I was just concentrating on the game.

"My experience in England is that when the fans are singing I don't understand what they say.

"I can understand the rivalry in the past (between Chelsea and Liverpool), but I am sure the majority of fans will understand I am a professional and I just want to do my job.

"It was a tough game against a good team, no clear chances for them or us. It's not the ideal (result) but to have a clean sheet and to see the spirit and mentality and work rate was quite positive.

"You could see they were trying really hard with and without the ball and against a great team they had some chances."

Asked what Benitez could do to win over the Chelsea fans, City boss Roberto Mancini said: "Win, win, win, win, win, win, win, win every game - only the results can help."

And Benitez agreed: "It's not a secret. It's true."

Torres

Benitez also admitted he was pleased with the display of Fernando Torres, who he restored to the starting line-up.

"Fernando was trying very hard, he had a good chance but the team has to help Fernando, all of us have to help Fernando because if we create more chances he will score goals," he said.

"You cannot expect a striker scoring all on his own and we have to create more and better chances for Fernando and all the offensive players.

"I am not trying to build a team around Fernando, I am trying to build a team around a striker, a second striker and the wingers, and Fernando is the striker at the moment so we create for him. If it is Daniel Sturridge or Victor Moses, we will do it for them.

"I am not happy if we have just one shot on-target but the main thing is you have more chances and then you are close."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Liverpool are lining up a free transfer move for Manchester City defender Kolo Toure, according to reports on Monday evening.

Comeback seals title for United

Manchester United completed a second-half comeback to win the inaugural Barclays Premier League Under-21 title with a 3-2 win over Tottenham.

Big Sam confirms Rat talks

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed the club are on the verge of signing Romanian defender Razvan Rat.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved