Rafael Benitez happy with reaction of Chelsea supporters
Last updated on .From the section Football
Rafael Benitez believes he has won over a significant section of Chelsea's fans as he prepares to leave the club.
The former Liverpool manager was an unpopular appointment when he replaced Roberto Di Matteo in November.
But the Blues won the Europa League and Sunday's 2-1 win over Everton confirmed third place in the Premier League and Champions League qualification.
"I received a lot of messages," said Benitez, who did not join the players for their lap of honour.
"I was quite happy with the response of a lot of the fans. You can't change the opinion of everyone but a lot of people realise what we've tried to do.
"You prefer people supporting the team and you, but if it's not the case you just try to do your job as well as you can."
The Spaniard has declared himself satisfied with his achievements at Stamford Bridge in a campaign that stretched to 69 games.
He added: "Winning finals and finishing third, with a team that finished sixth last year, is quite good.
"I am really proud because we have a team in transition and you can see young players, playing 69 games and doing well to the last game. I'm pleased for them and really proud."
Benitez revealed in March that he would be leaving Chelsea at the end of the campaign.
He said he expected his future employment options to become clearer over the next few weeks.
"We'll have to wait," he said. "Some leagues have finished now and people are making decisions so we'll see what happens."
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This sums up this cesspit of a club and dressing room nicely.
What arrogance!! The placards should have said "We're sorry, please forgive us".. for
1. Booing you and not supporting the Chelse Manager
2. Blaming you for RDM's sacking
3. Attacking you because we didn't have the guts to oppose RA
4. Appreciating the tough job you inheritted
5. Not understanding how our idols were ruining our club
Classless club, classless players, classless fans.
The world knows this.
He showed leadership and achieved 2 out of 3 of the club's targets.
I am sure the majority of the CFC supporters recognizes that and wishes him well for the future.
We can now turn the page and look forward to the next season.
Not sure the so called 'special one' is quite so special any more.
Rafa turned your clubs season around, got you a trophy, 3rd in the league.....and you don't even say thank you?
I would have expected more from Frank, but I suppose we should just be thankful that the classless git Terry didn't racially insult anyone or relieve himself in front of everyone?
Chelsea have NO class at all!
Rafa would certainly have got a good round of applause. He brought the best out of the players. We will probably end up missing him.
RA hired Rafa, allowed him to take all the flak and backlash over RDM's dismissal, never offering any words of support. At any other club, a senior club figure would have supported the manager.
This is the ultimate diversity of class between Rafa and those who run the club, and the fickle plastic fans who booed him throughout.
Just look at succesful clubs, Man U, current champs have the same manager for 26 yrs. How many managers have Chelsea had since Jose was sacked?
Continuety & stability are what bring lasting succes IMO.
I'm a Celtic fan & I would love to see Benitez leading out the team at Parkhead.