Arsenal legend defends Chelsea boss

Ian Wright defends Rafael Benítez after his rant towards Chelsea fans and the board. Wright believes Benitez is “getting a lot of stick just because of the Liverpool connection.”

Benítez could no longer keep quiet after Chelsea’s 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round win at Middlesbrough. Benitez was critical of a group of fans that sang, “We don’t care about Rafa” throughout the game.

“This group of fans are not doing any favours to the team, while they are wasting time singing and preparing banners,” said Benítez.

Benitez took over at Chelsea in November after the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo. He has come under criticism for Chelsea’s failure to gain any consistency during his first three months in charge.

Roman Abramovich has owned the club for 10 years, during which there have been 10 different managers. Benítez was also critical of the Chelsea’s board for giving him the title of ‘interim’ manager.

“Someone decided it but it was a mistake. I am the manager. Look what I’ve done in 26 years. I have won the Champions League, the Fifa World Cup, the FA Cup, the Italian Super Cup, the Spanish League twice, nine trophies, all the trophies you can win at club level,” he said.

Chelsea’s chief executive Ron Gourlay has emphasised that Benitez will remain in charge until the end of the season.

This is what Wright had to say…

Ian Wright was talking at the Absolute Radio Rock N Roll Football Lads Night In event with Club Wembley raising funds to support The Prince’s Trust. To find out more click here www.absoluteradio.co.uk/football and make a donation here www.justgiving.com/absoluteradio