Chelsea update: Is Benitez heading for exit?

Rafael Benitez has failed to grab a win from any of Chelsea’s last three matches. The Spaniard saw his team suffer a damaging 3-1 defeat in the hands of West Ham at the weekend.

The Blues are currently sitting third in the table but are trailing Manchester United by a considerable ten points having played the same number of games but by winning only seven out of the 15.

Benitez hasn’t had the best time off the pitch either seeing as the arrival of the former Liverpool boss at Stamford Bridge hasn’t been welcomed by all Chelsea fans. During their game against Manchester city which ended in a disappointing draw, fans made their views heard by putting up banners with the name of former manager Roberto Di Matteo, who despite his brilliant spell within his six months at the club, was sacked by owner Roman Abramovich.

Under Di Matteo Chelsea are reigning champions of Europe courtesy of winning the Champions League seven months ago as well as the FA Cup winners. However, regardless of his success at the club the billionaire owner Abramovich made the decision to replace Di Matteo with Benitez.

Benitez himself has admitted that he fears for his future at the club and that a win for the team would make the situation “easier for everyone”.

Players at the club such as John Terry and Peter Cech have spoken out about the importance of unity at the club and that they believe the fans should forget the remarks Benitez has made against Chelsea whilst he was at the Merseyside club.

The majority of views from the fans are, however, very one-sided: “Abramovich is killing the spirit of Chelsea football club” observed a fuming Chelsea fan after witnessing his team’s defeat at Upton Park, “Roberto was doing a good job and he should have been given more time, Abramovich is showing no respect to managers, players, fans or to this club” he concluded.

“I understand the whole thing in regards to winning and driving the club forward” stated Jason, yet another Chelsea fan, “but personally I’m not happy about bringing Rafa [Benitez] and expecting miracles. He’s going to take time to adjust and I just don’t think he is the right man anyways. Letting Di Matteo go wasn’t wise at all.”

It’s fair to say that the mood at Chelsea is glum at this moment and the uncertainty over Rafael Benitez and the future of the club is dependant on the results they produce. Chelsea’s next match is a crucial Champions League draw against Nordsjaelland. The Blues must win their match to progress to the last 16 and still be in a chance to defend their title.

Umida Ibrahimova, sports correspondent