Steve Holland said Chelsea fans were entitled to make their feelings clear after many booed Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa as they were substituted during the 3-1 win against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
The duo’s poor performances are seen by many as a major factor in the Blues’ woeful results this season under Jose Mourinho, who was sacked on Thursday.
Chelsea fans booed several players, particularly Fabregas and Costa, when their names were read out before kick-off and again when they were taken off – underlining the anger felt by many over Mourinho’s downfall.
First-team coach Holland, placed in caretaker charge following Mourinho’s sacking, said: “Clearly the supporters have a right to voice their opinion.
“From my point of view, in terms of this game today, I was happy with their contribution hence I applauded them when they came off.”
Chelsea, who before the game confirmed Guus Hiddink’s return as manager until the end of the season, had lost nine of their previous 16 Premier League matches this term.
Goals from Branislav Ivanovic, Pedro and Oscar secured win that took them up to 15th in the table.
“It was a very important three points because our league position is very poor and if we’d have lost today we would have gone into the bottom three,” said Holland.
“It was difficult for everybody over the last few days. I’ll be happy just to park this game and move forward.
“If the players play with the commitment they did today I don’t see any reason why the supporters wouldn’t be happy with that.”
This post was last modified on 22/12/2015