Chelsea have played down speculations about the probable sacking of interim manager Rafael Benitez, following the Spaniard’s angry tirade directed towards the club fans and hierarchies.
Benitez launched a scathing attack on Chelsea fans and the board after guiding the club to convincing FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough on Wednesday.
The former Liverpool manager made it clear that he won’t be staying at the club beyond the end of the season and felt hurt with the tag of his “interim” managerial role. He further insisted that Chelsea fans are wasting their time in hurling abuse at him rather then supporting their players.
Many thought that such an outspoken rant might cost him the job before the end of the season but as it stands, he is expected to take training at the club’s Cobham base as normal course of action later today. A Chelsea spokesperson tried to lower the gravity of the matter, by saying it is as just usual business.
While Rafa has never been accepted as Chelsea’s own by the fans, as he was booed off from the very first day in charge, but it is his rant against the Chelsea hierarchies that might put him in hot waters.
Meanwhile, Evening Standard reports, Benitez will be in charge for Saturday’s game against West Brom, but Chelsea are seriously considering replacing him with ex-manager Avram Grant until the end of the season.
Also the Londoners are considering to bringing back former manager Jose Mourinho at the club for the second time around.
Mourinho has been resigned to leave Real Madrid in the summer after falling out with several high-profile players and the club’s hierarchy and is widely tipped to return back at the club where he won five trophies in a three-year spell.
Chelsea are currently fourth in the table, just two points ahead of Arsenal and are in real danger of missing out on Champions League qualification.
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