Rafa wants 'fantastic atmosphere'

Interim manager Rafael Benitez has defended his outburst at Chelsea fans, insisting he was acting in the club's best interests.

Last Updated: 01/03/13 at 17:59 Post Comment   

Rafael Benitez: Faced a packed press conference in the wake of his outburst

Rafael Benitez: Faced a packed press conference in the wake of his outburst

Benitez is set to face renewed fury at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after an angry post-match interview at Middlesbrough during which he claimed their disaffection towards him was damaging the club.

The Spaniard, who has faced vociferous abuse from large sections of the support since he took charge in November, also hit out at the Chelsea hierarchy for giving him the title of "interim" manager.

But, ahead of the visit of West Brom, he used his pre-match press conference to try and rally supporters - as well as insist his relationship with the board remained strong.

"We have 11 games to play, that means 33 points," Benitez said.

"If we stick together behind the team it will be easier for us to get points. Fans can express their feelings but I would like to see a fantastic atmosphere supporting the team.

"If you remember the games against Napoli and Arsenal, you had everyone behind the team pushing. The players were running an extra mile.

"The message was very clear. Together, it will be easier to win games to get points, to be in the top four, top three, or maybe top two. That was my idea. What I want to do is the best for the team and the best for the club."

Benitez refused to say whether or not he had been summoned by owner Roman Abramovich following his criticisms but denied suggestions he had burned bridges.

"I don't have any problem with anyone. With the owner, the board, the players, Emenalo (Michael, technical director), nothing," Benitez added.

"I finish my contract until the end and I do not want to be a distraction."

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