Boro rant did the trick, says Benitez

Rafael Benitez was pleased to end his eventful spell at Chelsea on a winning note – and tipped the club for success under a new manager.

A 2-1 victory at home to Everton brought down the curtain on the Spaniard’s time in interim charge, during which he faced opposition from Blues supporters.

Unpopular among the Stamford Bridge faithful from his time at Liverpool, Benitez was much maligned before his relationship with the fans thawed towards the end of the season.

Winning the Europa League and securing a top-four finish helped matters, but he believes his infamous criticism of the club and fans after a cup tie at Middlesbrough in February also had a positive effect.

“I think things changed after the Middlesbrough press conference. You could see a lot more support for the team,” he explained.

Benitez said he was sad to be leaving SW6, where former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is expected to return during the summer.

He said: “When you have a group of players like this – good professionals with talent – it is a pity because we could see how they were improving. But that’s football.

“A top side challenging for trophies and playing twice a week – it has been a great experience.

“It was a team in transition with young players, and now it is a team with more experience and character that is scoring goals.

“I think it is good for the next manager. He will have a very good team and the owner will make signings. I think they will challenge for the title next year.

“I will not be here. I did my job and enjoyed working with this group of players. The new manager will have a fantastic team.”

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