Chelsea

Rafael Benitez not bothered by Chelsea fans

By Matt Cotton, Reporter | 30 January 2013

Rafael Benitez says that he is not concerned by an online petition created by the Chelsea fans to appeal him becoming the permanent manager of the club.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez is adamant that he is not bothered by the fans' negative reaction towards him at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard proved an unpopular choice when he took over from Roberto Di Matteo in November until the end of the season, and has been the subject of a recent online petition in which supporters have called for him not to be considered for the permanent job.

However, Benitez admits that he is not concerned by his lack of support from the crowd and will be more concerned by his players' performances.

"If I can see my players in training without conviction, I will be worried," Benitez said. "Today, I was talking with one or two senior players, explaining and agreeing the way we are doing things is right or if we have to change this or that.

"We are working with the players every day, and they're happy.

"We cannot control the perception from outside, but I can influence the players, explain things and analyse things."

Chelsea travel to Reading on Wednesday.