Rafa Benitez's booing

Eds · Nov 27, 2012

The bitter disapproval that Benítez received from the home fans before the 0-0 draw with Manchester City could hardly have been more emphatic had he still been leading his former club, Liverpool.

The Spaniard initially claimed not to have heard the sustained booing, jeers and abuse that came from all corners of the ground. But after watching his side labour to a point with a performance that was more solid but far less expansive than under his predecessor Roberto Di Matteo – Chelsea managed just a single shot on target – Benítez said he was confident that results would convince the majority who doubted him.

“The main things is that the players are focused on the games,” he said. “If they are, it’ll be fine. I have confidence we will do well and win games.

"Some of the fans will realise it’s not the way to support their team. They’ll know they have a professional manager in charge, someone who wants to win games.

“I was just concentrating on the game and not listening to anything else. My experience in England is that when the fans are singing in the stands, I don’t understand what they say.

“So I was just concentrating. I can understand [the booing] because of the rivalry in the past. But I’m sure the majority of the fans will understand: I’m a professional, I do my job, I want to win, and I want to win for the club. I hope they share those ideas.”

Roberto Mancini said all Benítez had to do to change the fans’ minds was “win, win, win, win, win” although he added the supporters’ attitude would cause problems for the new man if it did not change.

“It’s difficult to say something about this because I don’t know the situation,” he said. “I work with another team. But it’s very difficult for him and for his team to play well.”

Benítez had left his entrance as late as he could but still emerged from the tunnel to hear the ground chanting the name of his predecessor, Di Matteo.
Given the sensitivity of his appointment there was no formal introduction, but a passing reference from the on-field announcer of his name prompted prolonged and concerted derision.

The catcalls came from all four corners of the ground and continued for a clear minute. Incongruously, this display of animosity was followed by a minute’s applause to mark the passing of Dave Sexton who, like Di Matteo, led the club to an FA Cup and a European title.

Chants of “F--- off Benítez, you’re not welcome here” followed kick-off, and the crowd rose almost as one to chant Di Matteo’s name throughout the 16th minute, marking the number he wore in his playing days at Stamford Bridge.

There were anti-Benítez placards too in the Matthew Harding Stand, reading, "In Roberto we trusted and loved, in Rafa we will never trust. Fact!” and the simple message “Rafa Out”.

If he gets his way in the summer Roman Abramovich will take the advice and replace Benítez with Pep Guardiola, but for now he looked unimpressed at this show of temerity from the supporters.

If he did not realise how unpopular the appointment would be with supporters before kick-off he can be in no doubt now.

Benítez said he had spoken with Abramovich after the game, demonstrating that of the 41,792 present the Russian’s opinion is the only one that counts.
“He knows it was a tough game, a difficult time after the last games. He knows my opinion. He’s like me: he knows we have to win, want to win, and we keep working for that.”
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...coming-supporters-hostility-and-mistrust.html

Interested to know people's thoughts on this tbh. I think it's one of the most disgraceful things I've seen in football in a long time.

Mariner · Nov 27, 2012

Think they're lucky to have Benitez tbh, and it's ridiculous that he's getting booed.

BoyBlunder · Nov 27, 2012

As much as I think the appointment is laughable. It's pretty shocking.

But then nothing that comes out of Chelsea football club surprises me now

Mariner · Nov 27, 2012

I expect no manager of any calibre to manage Chelsea for a long time now.

Eds · Nov 27, 2012

mightymariner said: ↑

I expect no manager of any calibre to manage Chelsea for a long time now.
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Yeah they're shooting themselves in the foot.

All that a potential manager sees when looking at Chelsea is a good squad. Shit fans, shit owner. And even the squad contains the likes of John Terry, Ashley Cole etc.

Riddy · Nov 27, 2012

if they dont like the manager, then they are entitled to do it. hes said shit about chelsea before and i dont blame them for holding a grudge.

Weeman27bob · Nov 27, 2012

Only thing Chelsea could do to make themselves more dislikable is to sign Suarez.

Eds · Nov 27, 2012

Weeman27bob said: ↑

Only thing Chelsea could do to make themselves more dislikable is to sign Suarez.
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Torres - Suarez up front, managed by Benitez. I'd probably start supporting them myself ITBT.

Weeman27bob · Nov 27, 2012

Eds said: ↑

Torres - Suarez up front, managed by Benitez. I'd probably start supporting them myself ITBT.
Click to expand...

So then if he signs they become dislikable for two more reasons? :ninja:

Eds · Nov 27, 2012

Weeman27bob said: ↑

So then if he signs they become dislikable for two more reasons? :ninja:
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From a Liverpool fan's point of view, maybe.

99* · Nov 27, 2012

I think if this had of happened anywhere it would have likely resulted in the same treatment.

Eds · Nov 27, 2012

99* said: ↑

I think if this had of happened anywhere it would have likely resulted in the same treatment.
Click to expand...

Really?

I know I wouldn't boo Jose Mourinho...

99* · Nov 27, 2012

Eds said: ↑

Really?

I know I wouldn't boo Jose Mourinho...
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If it came after Dalglish had won the FA Cup and CL with Liverpool the season before?

GIMH · Nov 27, 2012

Wouldnt happen everywhere. We didn't boo John Barnes like that, upon arrival, after he replaced a Tranmere hero, and the difference between Barnes and Benitez is that Barnes had a record of being shite (Celtic were 3rd under him) whereas Benitez has won shit. I understand them not liking the appointment but it was poor form. I wouldn't go as far as calling it one of the most disgraceful things I've seen, though.

Worth saying we did call for his head when he clearly wasn't up to it mind you.

Mariner · Nov 27, 2012

Eds said: ↑

Really?

I know I wouldn't boo Jose Mourinho...
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Yeah, I wouldn't care where the manager had been before as long as he could do a good job. Hull and Scunthorpe managers aren't good enough for us anyhow...

Eds · Nov 27, 2012

99* said: ↑

If it came after Dalglish had won the FA Cup and CL with Liverpool the season before?
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Dalglish is far more to Liverpool than Di Matteo to Chelsea... surely?

And even so, no. I wouldn't boo Mourinho. That's the board's fuckup if they sacked Dalglish after he'd done that.

99* · Nov 27, 2012

Eds said: ↑

Dalglish is far more to Liverpool than Di Matteo to Chelsea... surely?

And even so, no. I wouldn't boo Mourinho. That's the board's fuckup if they sacked Dalglish after he'd done that.
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Both sets of fans love the bloke and think that they are the best manager their team has had in recent history.

And most Chelsea fans do know it's RA's fuck up here. But you can't blame them taking it out of the person he chose to take over, somebody that happened to call the club and fans plastic.

PaulFromOz · Nov 27, 2012

What's with all the soccer threads all of a sudden.

Toolman · Nov 27, 2012

Lol at only one shot on target

Lukic · Nov 27, 2012

Yeah it's wrong. You don't boo Benitez explicitly. You can boo the management for firing Di Matteo or express your disapproval at Di Matteo's sacking but it's not Benitez's fault that happened.

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Rafa Benitez's booing

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Rafa Benitez's booing

Eds E Ames

Mariner CL Warrington

BoyBlunder BOY Blunder

Mariner CL Warrington

Eds E Ames

Riddy JH Ridd

Weeman27bob BE Force

Eds E Ames

Weeman27bob BE Force

Eds E Ames

99* JJ Ritchie

Eds E Ames

99* JJ Ritchie

GIMH GIMH Martyn

Mariner CL Warrington

Eds E Ames

99* JJ Ritchie

PaulFromOz PF Oz

Toolman TR Man

Lukic L Popovic

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