Bye Bye Rafa

[sir.prize]

Rafael Benitez has said he will leave Chelsea in May and described the decision to give him the title "interim manager" as a "massive mistake".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21611064

ho will replace him?

[ChillDoubt]

Can't think of anyone off the top of my head who would seriously want that poisoned chalice.

Unless he (the Russian) can tempt Hiddink back full time to the Moscow State Circus, not sure of his present contract status though.

[Mass_Hysteria]

I'm not a Chelsea fan but Rafa has been treated abysmally, by the club and also the fans. He's trying to do his best under extreme pressure!

[Arksided]

^ agreed Mass_Hysteria

[FredPuli43]

Agreed, MH. The fans know that he's only there for the season, so why make life hard for him and the team by booing him as soon as he appears?

Only Mourinho is tough enough, good enough and popular enough to make a fist of it. Rumour has it that Abramovich would like him back, having learned from his own mistakes. Can't see Moyes taking the job, however good the money.

[Duncer]

Rafa seemed like a man in meltdown last night, much like his previous outburst against Man U.

I'd have more sympathy for his appalling treatment if he wasn't a multi-millionaire who should hve known what he was getting into, although I agree that the term "interim manager" only served to undermine him, much as the Chelski fans are doing.

[DTCwordfan]

Rumour has it that this man could, and he's without a club at the moment

http://www.internetmonk.com/wp-content/uploads/pope-urbi.jpg

his replacement being, the all embracing:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbDVnNKVzkY/URjwGmtfk5I/AAAAAAAAM0c/Rcv7Ah8VwUc/s1600/Pope%2BSilvio.jpg

[BlueToffee]

I'll take the job, 5 year contract, £5m per annum, and he can rid himself of me any time he likes!

[Duncer]

...............and, at that price, Ill take all the abuse that Chelski fans can throw at me.

[Hopkirk]

Peter Odenmwingie keeps knocking on the back door at Stamford Bridge.
He reckons he is going to be the next manager.