Benitez sends message to Chelsea fans

Rafael Benitez has appealed to Chelsea fans to get behind their team on Saturday.

Benitez, already an unpopular figure among Blues supporters, caused more controversy this week when he criticised them and described the club’s decision to give him the title of interim manager as a “massive mistake”.

It means tensions are sure to be high when West Brom visit Stamford Bridge.

But Benitez insisted: “The best thing for my team is to have a very good atmosphere behind the players.

“We need the atmosphere of the Arsenal and Napoli games. I’m trying to explain that if we stick together it will be easier.

“The fans can express their feelings, that is normal, but still I am saying to all of them that if we stick together, are behind the team, it will be fantastic for the players and everyone.

“The message is clear. We have to stick together. I am part of the team and we need support for the team.”

The under-fire former Liverpool boss also insisted he was not at loggerheads with the Chelsea board, although he refused to say whether he had spoken to owner Roman Abramovich.

“I don’t have any problem with anyone – with the owner, the board, the players – nothing. There is no problem,” he said.

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