Benitez works on in face of fans' fury

Rafael Benitez will take charge of Chelsea at a hugely hostile Stamford Bridge on Saturday having received no assurances about his future following his criticism of supporters who have abused him since he took charge 100 days ago.

Benitez took training as usual yesterday but, despite meeting club chief executive Ron Gourlay and technical director Michael Emenalo, it is understood that his immediate future was not discussed. Doubts over his future were raised after Benitez said supporters who booed him were -"wasting their time" and affecting the team, and that his interim manager title was "a big mistake".

While Gourlay's visit appeared to be an attempt to test the temperature at Cobham following Benitez's comments and recent signs of tensions with senior players, club insiders said he did not raise the issue of the post-match remarks following Chelsea's 2-0 FA Cup win at Middlesbrough.

Benitez is understood to have discussed the Middlesbrough match with Emenalo and raised the issue of his comments himself, insisting that they were aimed at a small group of supporters rather than the board or owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea moved to try to limit speculation over Benitez's position yesterday morning, with a spokesman -saying it was "business as usual".

The board is understood to have taken the view that, given the level of abuse Benitez has had to absorb from supporters, his comments were understandable. The club acknowledge the Spaniard spoke out because he believed the poisonous atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, and away from home, was affecting the team, and trust his judgment given his daily contact with the players.

There is also a belief that having asked Benitez to take on a role that left him particularly exposed, they should allow him to try to complete the job he was hired to do. Benitez believes his relationship with Abramovich is solid, though they have not spoken for five weeks.

Whether this outlook will survive a poor result against West Bromwich Albion tomorrow is another matter, and it remains possible that defeat could lead to his sacking. After West Brom, Chelsea have Europa League ties against Steaua Bucharest either side of an FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford before their next league game. With a Champions League place a priority, it offers a last window to change the manager if that is the owner's desire.

Avram Grant is a clear contender to take charge at short notice and is remembered fondly by some players for his hands-off approach in his -previous spell in charge.

Steve Holland, a coach at the club, is also a possible stand-in, but given these options pragmatism suggests the club will stick with Benitez in the hope that he can deliver the minimum target of Champions League football next season. Long term, Jose Mourinho remains interested in a return to Stamford Bridge and the club have shown interest in Manuel Pellegrino, of Malaga, and Everton's David Moyes. Fabio Capello is also considered a candidate.

Benitez said yesterday that he was happy with his relationship with Abramovich, and repeated his view that the supporters could cost the team. "My relationship with the owner is really good," he said. "Every time I talk to Abramovich about football, I enjoy [it]. I'm here because he wants to win and I will try to do my best until the last day.

"I don't have any problem with anyone. I have conversations with Michael Emenalo every day. He watches the training sessions, we talk about football and when I meet Roman Abramovich, we talk about football. We talk like normal people. We share a passion for football."

Despite Benitez's confidence he is still likely to face a hostile crowd at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, with Chelsea making it clear that only banners that are discriminatory or offensive will be removed, and some supporters groups openly celebrating the fact that the manager is stung by abuse.

David Chidgey, of the Chelsea FanCast, said: "The atmosphere is going to be both toxic and electric at Stamford Bridge this weekend and I fear the abuse will be even worse for Benitez now. His true colours have finally come to light and there is a definite sense among Chelsea fans that they've got to him."

Benitez said continued abuse would be counterproductive. "Everybody knows that I will finish my contract at the end of the season. So I think that this group of fans, singing, creating banners or whatever, they have to concentrate on supporting the team," he told the BBC's Football Focus.

West Brom manager Steve Clarke, who is likely to receive a better reception than Benitez tomorrow, said that the Chelsea job remained hugely attractive despite the tensions.

"It's a job that anybody would want to take. If you're manager of a club like Chelsea you know what comes with the territory," he said. "The connections with me are inevitable and I can't do anything about that. Chelsea has been a big part of my life, I've spent more than 40 per cent of it connected with them. There are a lot of managers out there with a better case than me. I am not even a year into the job here and I am enjoying myself."