|
|
Benitez refuses to issue apology to Chelsea fans
Nov 27, 2012 6:30:00 PM
The ex-Liverpool boss endured a frosty reception from his new club’s supporters during his first game in charge on Sunday, but is keen to show he was the right choice to take over
Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez has refused to issue an apology to the club’s supporters for comments he made during his time in charge of Liverpool.
The Spaniard was booed by a section of Blues fans during his first game in charge against Manchester City on Sunday, with some holding up banners venting their frustrations at his appointment and Roberto Di Matteo’s sacking.
While in charge of Liverpool, Benitez - who insisted he would never work for the Stamford Bridge side - made negative remarks about Chelsea supporters and the club’s decision to hand out 'plastic flags'.
And when quizzed if he was prepared to apologise for his previous remarks, Benitez responded by telling reporters: "The problem is that we cannot analyse what I did or did not say.
"We cannot really check. I will show them that I can try my best."
The 52-year-old likened his situation to that of a new player arriving at a club, and said he is keen to focus on improving his new squad and starting to win matches again.
He added: "Imagine that you have a player that has no support from fans. What I will tell him is, 'Listen, stay focused work for your club, don't be distracted, concentrate on football.' I understand. I know about the fans.
"But at the same time I will try to prove that I am here for the right reasons, that I am here to win. I will concentrate on my coaching, to improve players, and to win."
Chelsea host local rivals Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday looking to end a recent slump which has seen them drop to third spot behind Manchester United and City.
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Make Your Prediction
Manchester City FC - Chelsea FC
Manchester City FC
Chelsea FC
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
Manchester City FC 1-3 Chelsea FC
- 13.76 %
-
Manchester City FC 3-1 Chelsea FC
- 12.4 %
-
Manchester City FC 1-2 Chelsea FC
- 10.5 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
-
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
-
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants Isco at Chelsea
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.
