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Chelsea: 'It's business as usual'

Last Updated: Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:05
Chelsea

Chelsea insisted Thursday was just another normal day after Rafael Benitez's rant at the Blues support and his title of interim manager.

Benitez launched an impassioned monologue following the holders' 2-0 FA Cup win at Middlesbrough, which set up a quarter-final tie with Manchester United.

His criticism sparked suggestions his tenure in caretaker charge could come to an end as soon as Thursday, rather than as scheduled at the end of season.

A Chelsea spokesperson said: "It's business as usual."

It is understood Benitez was set to take training at the club's Cobham base and, at this stage, expected to be in charge for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with West Brom.

Benitez's comments seemed unlikely to go down well with owner Roman Abramovich, although the Spaniard seemed unconcerned as he stated he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Benitez said on Wednesday night: "I have a title. Someone decided the title would be 'interim'. Why? Just in case? If they want to blame me for everything that is wrong and then they say, 'We will put interim just in case', fine, that is your decision.

"I don't agree, but it's your decision and now everybody has to take responsibility. If we are in the Champions League, I will be the happiest man in the world.

"But next year, I will leave anyway because I have finished my contract, so they [his critics] don't need to be worried about me. What they have to do is concentrate on supporting the team.

"I have a contract until the end of the season, that's it, so they don't need to be worried about me."

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