Rafa Watch

[Bender]

Chelsea have no plans to name former boss Jose Mourinho, 50, as replacement for interim manager Rafael Benitez, and have instead targeted Juventus's Antonio Conte, 43.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Initial enquiries have been made by Chelsea to Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini about whether the 59-year-old Chilean would be interested in taking over at Stamford Bridge next season.
Full story: Emol Deportes (in Spanish)

Chelsea could also move for Everton manager David Moyes, 49, if he does not extend his current deal that expires in the summer.
Full story: The Independent

[Arn]

Sue them Rafa.


THE SUN APOLOGISES TO CHELSEA
Posted on: Wed 20 Feb 2013

The Sun today (Wednesday) printed the following apology:

'JOHN TERRY AND RAFA BENITEZ

An article in the Sun on Sunday on 17 February "War: JT and Rafa in angry bust-up" carried a story about an alleged dressing room row between John Terry and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez following the team's 3-2 defeat at Newcastle.

The article alleged that there was an "angry bust up" between the pair which left their relationship at "breaking point". We now accept that no such row took place. We are happy to set the record straight and apologise for any embarrassment caused.'

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-articl...ses-to-chelsea

[Shaggy]

What a joke that rag is.

[Sarb]

Chelsea have no plans to name former boss Jose Mourinho, 50, as replacement for interim manager Rafael Benitez, and have instead targeted Juventus's Antonio Conte, 43.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Initial enquiries have been made by Chelsea to Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini about whether the 59-year-old Chilean would be interested in taking over at Stamford Bridge next season.
Full story: Emol Deportes (in Spanish)

Chelsea could also move for Everton manager David Moyes, 49, if he does not extend his current deal that expires in the summer.Full story: The Independent

There is no way he'll take a big job. The guy has zero ambition.

[Shaggy]

I think he will, given the opportunity. He has delusions of grandeur, fuelled by the media's embarrassing fawning over him.

[RichC]

oh if offered something like Chelsea he'll be all over it, I really, really hope he takes over at any of Man Utd, City or Chelsea it will only weaken them

[Sarb]

oh if offered something like Chelsea he'll be all over it, I really, really hope he takes over at any of Man Utd, City or Chelsea it will only weaken them

Not sure if true, but in his 11 years at Everton, he has failed to win a game away at any of the Top 4 sides. I have some Everton mates who text me after every bad result saying 'Do you now think Rodgers should get sacked'. I ask them 'Seen as though you worship a manager who has won nothing for you for 11 years, why do you think Rodgers should be sacked after half a season'. Funnily enough, I get no reply.

Not sure how he gets away with his record. He has purchased some big money players himself

[Captain Stu]

Not sure if true, but in his 11 years at Everton, he has failed to win a game away at any of the Top 4 sides. I have some Everton mates who text me after every bad result saying 'Do you now think Rodgers should get sacked'. I ask them 'Seen as though you worship a manager who has won nothing for you for 11 years, why do you think Rodgers should be sacked after half a season'. Funnily enough, I get no reply.

Not sure how he gets away with his record. He has purchased some big money players himself

Tis true - it's something like 47/48 games away against the traditional top four - Liverpool, United, Arsenal and Chelsea - and hasn't won a single one of those games.

[Ben_Itez]

Sue them Rafa.


THE SUN APOLOGISES TO CHELSEA
Posted on: Wed 20 Feb 2013

The Sun today (Wednesday) printed the following apology:

'JOHN TERRY AND RAFA BENITEZ

An article in the Sun on Sunday on 17 February "War: JT and Rafa in angry bust-up" carried a story about an alleged dressing room row between John Terry and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez following the team's 3-2 defeat at Newcastle.

The article alleged that there was an "angry bust up" between the pair which left their relationship at "breaking point". We now accept that no such row took place. We are happy to set the record straight and apologise for any embarrassment caused.'

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-articl...ses-to-chelsea

I think he or Chelsea probably threatened them with something. Either being sued or withdrawing their access to press conferences etc.

[Bender]

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez defends Fernando Torres after blank showing in Europa League

"He didn't play badly tonight," Benitez said about his forward who has scored once in his past 14 games - against League One Brentford.
"You can analyse a striker for the number of goals he scores. Maybe you're right. But he did a great job for the team tonight. It's not easy against a team playing deep, but he was winning the ball in the air, bringing options for those around him.

"I thought he was playing well. I disagree he was playing badly. But of course we want him to take the chances that come his way.

"If he continues working like today and playing like he did today, he will score goals. I'm convinced about that. We could be talking about Fernando not scoring goals, and he had four chances. But he had four chances.

"Let's turn it into a positive. I've seen him in games not having these chances because he's not in the right position. Today the goalkeeper stopped him and he missed some. It wasn't the situation where the striker disappeared.

"Are we disappointed he didn't score? Yes, we are. But he was still giving his

all to the team."
link

[Tee]

Its the same old **** from every Chelsea Manager Torres has had.

[RichC]

That interview certainly doesn't read well but it's probably been paraphrased to suit the agenda.

Regardless, he's been dreadful for them and most likely needs a move away from there

[Chris]

Its the same old **** from every Chelsea Manager Torres has had.

Yeah, a public kick up the arse might do him good. Then again I doubt it, he's just a truly horrendous footballer now. Last night was apparently a new low.

1 goal in his last 14 and that was against Brentford!

[CJ]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lOb799cTxM"]Black Box Ride on Time [ 1989 ] HD version - YouTube[/ame]

[Tee]

Yeah, a public kick up the arse might do him good. Then again I doubt it, he's just a truly horrendous footballer now. Last night was apparently a new low.

1 goal in his last 14 and that was against Brentford!

What a stat, even by his shockingly **** standards that is embarrassing.