Benitez: No problem with anyone at Blues

Rafael Benitez has insisted he has no issue with the Chelsea board, that his job title is not a concern and that his criticisms of fans were designed to encourage a unified backing of his team.

Benitez appeared to backtrack from some of his comments made earlier this week in which he criticised the decision to give him the 'interim' title and the supporters' continued barracking of him.

Benitez said: "I didn't have any problem with the board. I didn't have any problem with Michael Emenalo (the technical director). I didn't have any problems with Roman Abramovich (the owner). I don't have a problem with the players."

He added: "What I want to do is the best for the team, the best for the club.

"I have been for 26 years training and coaching and always I have had principles, respect and education.

"It's the way that I have achieved what I've achieved. We have 11 games to play. If we stick together, it will be easier and we can get more points.

"I would like to see a fantastic atmosphere supporting the team, and I will be really pleased with that."

Following Wednesday's FA Cup win at Middlesbrough, Benitez said the decision to appoint him as 'interim manager' was "a mistake".

"It's not an issue now," Benitez said. "I said before... One thing's a mistake. Another's an issue. Now it's not an issue.

"In my head, I am the manager. I have to manage the team. The title doesn't matter. The Champions League is a big title. "I just concentrate on my job. That's fine, okay."