Rafael Benitez has confirmed he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.
And the under-fire interim manager has hit back at the Blues fans who have made their distain for him clear since he controversially replaced Roberto Di Matteo at the helm earlier this season.
Benitez, unpopular among the Stamford Bridge faithful from his time as Liverpool boss, has seen his chances of securing the Chelsea manager’s job on a permanent basis evaporate after several disappointing results and performances.
And, speaking after his team’s FA Cup win at Middlesbrough, Benitez said: “They [the fans] are wasting time with their banners and songs.
“They don’t need to worry about me. I leave at end of the season.”
He added: “I’m disappointed with some fans. They have to support the team instead of wasting time making banners.
“They gave me the title of interim manager which is a massive mistake. I am the manager and I will manage this club. The fans are not helping us.
“I am a professional and I will do my job. At the end of the season I will leave.”
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This post was last modified on 28/02/2013