Rafa Benitez could be on his way out of Chelsea sooner than expected following an astonishing interview, during which he criticised the club’s fans and owner. The Chelsea interim manager confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the year, however his unprecedented criticism could put his position in doubt before then. He struck back at the fans who have been critical of him since his arrival and said the decision to name him "interim" manager was "a mistake".
Benitez told the BBC the fans who made banners calling for his departure and vocally abused him were serving only to hurt their team's chances of making it to next season's Champions League.
Benitez said of the fans:
"They have to support the team instead of wasting time doing banners or singing songs. What they have to do is support the team and create a good atmosphere in Stamford Bridge. If we cannot achieve the target that we are looking for, to be in the Champions League... If they continue singing and talking and talking then I think they are not making any favours. They have to support the players, they have to support the team, I have experience as a manager, I will do my best until the last day.
He went on to the decision of the board to name him as an “interim manager”, suggesting he was never given the authority required to perform his job. This has proved to be an ongoing issue for Benitez as he has struggled to command respect with a squad that has a history of being reluctant to follow the lead of new managers.
"They gave me the title of interim manager, it's a massive mistake. I am the manager and I will manage the team until the end, every single minute.
Benitez also told reporters that the decision to name him interim manager was not agreed when he signed his contract with Chelsea and was "a surprise" for him.
He was asked if he felt he had received undue criticism for things said while manager of Liverpool, a time when Chelsea and the Anfield club enjoyed a heated rivalry, particularly in European games. The Spanish manager said he had merely being doing his job for Liverpool at the time, as he wished to do now for Chelsea.
"I am a professional, I am doing my job and I will do my job. What I want to do is, I want to win every single game for Chelsea Football Club.
Benitez finished by warning the fans that protests and criticism would serve only one purpose, to see Chelsea in the Europa League next season.
"What they have to do is to support the team, to support the players. And it's a group of people and they have an agenda. They have to realise that the rest of the fans, they want to see the team the next year in the Champions League. It's not 'I am right or I am wrong', you have to see the team in the Champions League and they have to support the team, that is the main thing.
"But, if they don't understand this, at the end of the season, because I am interim, I will leave. They don't need to worry about me.
The West London club beat Middlesbrough 2-0 in the FA Cup fifth round last night but are fourth in the league and are in danger of missing out on Champions league qualification for next season.
