Chelsea: Rafael Benitez takes flak for Roman Abramovich

The pact of silence and subservience Chelsea's fans have made with owner Roman Abramovich ensured Rafael Benitez walked straight into a wall of hostility at Stamford Bridge.

Abramovich's decision to sack Roberto Di Matteo six months after winning the Champions League offended many Chelsea fans - but it almost qualified as a populist move compared to his replacement with Benitez.
Benitez's time at Liverpool made him a figure of derision and dislike at Chelsea. It was the result of an acrimonious rivalry with Jose Mourinho and his outwitting of "The Special One" in 2005 and 2007's Champions League semi-finals and the 2006 FA Cup semi-final, plus some barbs many of their supporters remember only too well.
This history meant the introductions were always going to be awkward when the interim manager met his new fans for the first time when Manchester City arrived at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

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Benitez booed by Chelsea fans

However much Benitez claimed he turned a deaf ear to his reception, nothing could have prepared him for the sound and fury that greeted him as he made his way through the tunnel to his place in the technical area prior to kick-off.
Chelsea have lost most of their capacity to surprise - but the venom aimed at Benitez carried an edge that was a shock even to those expecting the frostiest of welcomes.
And yet, while Benitez, received a warmer greeting from Manchester City's contingent than he did from Chelsea's fans, no voices were raised against Abramovich. No banners or chants suggesting the Russian was not welcome at Stamford Bridge. Nothing.
Abramovich dismissed Di Matteo and brought in Benitez - but any Roman revolt always stops short of the owner's executive box. This is the deal that has been made. If any of his behaviour meets with disapproval, it is suffered in silence for fear of causing offence.
So, during Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Manchester City, Stamford Bridge got as close to rebellion as it is ever likely to get but no anger could be heard rising up against Abramovich. The whole weight of the flak descended painfully on to Benitez.
The brutal truth is that so many Chelsea supporters have enjoyed so much of what Abramovich's money has brought and bought them in the shape of the Champions League, Premier League titles and FA Cups that his approach is simply accepted - and you suspect supporters of many other clubs who state their own disapproval and scorn would be exactly the same.