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Robbie Savage defends Rafael Benitez

Savage defends Benitez
© PA Photos
Robbie Savage defends Rafael Benitez following the Chelsea interim manager's outburst towards the club's fans on Wednesday

Robbie Savage has defended Chelsea's interim manager Rafael Benitez following the Spaniard's criticism of the club's fans.

The former Liverpool boss launched an attack on the supporters who have constantly booed him since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in November after the 2-0 victory at Middlesbrough on Wednesday, and Savage used his column in The Mirror to say that Benitez was right in actions.

"From the moment he walked out to all those banners, and that storm of booing, at home to Manchester City in November, the fans were determined not to like him," said Savage.

"Finally, he lost his rag after the Cup tie at Middlesbrough – and I don't blame him. Roman Abramovich did Benitez no favours by giving him the title interim manager.

"At best, that's a back-handed compliment. It's like saying, "You're the best man for the job until someone better comes along," or, 'You're in charge until the man I really want is available.'"

Chelsea beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 today.

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2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


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