Benitez booed by Chelsea fans

Chelsea supporters will boo interim boss Rafael Benitez until the end of the season, says a fans' group.

quote Benitez isn't popular and he will remain unpopular throughout his reign Trizia Fiorellino Chair of Chelsea Supporters' Group

Benitez was jeered in his technical area during Sunday's match against Manchester City.

"We want the powers that be to realise we didn't want him," said Trizia Fiorellino, chair of Chelsea Supporters' Group. external-link

David Johnstone, spokesman for the cfcuk fanzine, external-link says booing "doesn't help the team".

Former Liverpool manager Benitez took over from Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked after the team lost to Juventus in the Champions League.

Following Sunday's 0-0 draw with Manchester City, Benitez said that he wanted to change the perception of the fans by winning games.

But Fiorellino said: "The strength of feeling surprised even those in charge . It was quite venomous right at the beginning.

"The fans don't expect to pick and choose the managers but it was pretty evident there were only two people that were not acceptable in this case - Benitez and Avram Grant.

"It was almost as if the board and the owner were trying to send a message to the fans to say 'we run this club, not you - you have no say'.

"Benitez is not popular and I think he will remain unpopular throughout his reign."

Analysis Phil McNulty Chief football writer, BBC Sport "However much Benitez claimed he turned a deaf ear to his reception on Sunday, nothing could have prepared him for the sound and fury that greeted him as he made his way through the tunnel to his place in the technical area prior to kick-off. "Chelsea have lost most of their capacity to surprise - but the venom aimed at Benitez carried an edge that was a shock even to those expecting the frostiest of welcomes." Read more from Phil here

Benitez has upset Chelsea fans at various times by accusing former Blues striker Didier Drogba of diving, and saying when Liverpool boss: external-link "We don't need to give away flags for our fans to wave - our supporters are always there with their hearts, and that is all we need.

"It's the passion of the fans that helps to win matches - not flags."

Johnstone understands the negative reaction because of the fractious relationship between Benitez and the Chelsea fans when the Spaniard was Reds boss.

He said: "I think it'll probably be something we'll be talking about for the rest of the season.

"I feel it would be best for the manager to come out and fully explain his comments about the supporters. When he was the Liverpool manager, what he said was more than banter. I don't think managers should get involved in that kind of thing.

"I like to think it would help if he confronted these issues but he's going to have to do a lot to convince people. Even if he wins things I don't think people will be convinced."

Johnstone also believes that some of Benitez's comments since he joined Chelsea have caused discontent among the fans, in particular the suggestion that senior players Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole could leave the club.

"Fans are extremely upset about what he said about Lampard and Cole. The crowd are desperate for them to stay," said Johnstone.

Both fans were quick to dismiss the idea that Chelsea supporters might want their team to lose to stop Benitez getting the job long-term.

Johnstone said: "It's a Catch 22 situation - people do want him to fail so he doesn't remain in the position - but they want to walk into work on a Monday morning with their head held high after a good Chelsea result. For the majority of supporters that's what it's all about."