When discussing the clubs he’s managed during his time in England, Rafa Benitez praised the ‘amazing’ Newcastle and Liverpool fans – but refused to even acknowledge Chelsea supporters; and I don’t blame him.
Rafa was named as their ‘interim manager’ in 2012 and, despite winning them the Europa League and getting them third in the Premier League in his only year in charge, he was never popular with Chelsea fans – and often gets abuse whenever he returns to Stamford Bridge.
Here’s what he said this week when asked if he was happy in England – with him taking a sly dig at Chelsea fans after praising Liverpool and Newcastle supporters.
“Yeah, I am happy in England and with the fans behind me,”
“I have had three spells in England.
“The Liverpool fans are amazing and the Newcastle fans are too.”
Brilliant by Rafa. Doesn’t give Chelsea fans a mention. And rightly so pic.twitter.com/7iyaLw3iEg
— ZAG-KAG (@1811MAG) November 26, 2018
His rivalry with Chelsea and Mourinho during his time at Liverpool is no doubt one of the main reasons Blues fans have never been too keen on him, but the fact he won them a major trophy and still gets stick is quite incredible really.
Perhaps this shows how fans from some of the top clubs get spoilt by their success. Why do I say that? Because ANY manager who delivered a trophy at Newcastle United would probably be loved and appreciated by our fans forever.
