• Spaniard backtracks from comments made on Wednesday
• Criticism of fans was designed to bring unity, says Benítez
Rafael Benítez has insisted he has no issue with the Chelsea board, that his job title is not a concern and that his criticism of the fans was designed to encourage a unified backing of his team.
Benítez appeared to backtrack from some of his comments made on Wednesday night when he questioned the decision to give him an interim title and hit out at the supporters' continued barracking of him.
Benítez said on Friday: "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. 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, Benítez said the decision to appoint him in an interim capacity was "a mistake".
"It's not an issue now," Benítez 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, OK.
"I will finish my contract until the end [in May] and I don't want to be a distraction. What I want to say to everyone is that if they concentrate and support the team, it will be easier."
Benítez, who has met the Chelsea chief executive, Ron Gourlay, in each of the past two days, pointed to the positive atmosphere in the wins over Napoli, which took place last season, and in January against Arsenal, which spurred the team on, and asked for that backing to return.
"The best for my team is to have a very good atmosphere behind them, players feeling the support," he said. "Against Napoli they were running an extra mile. Feeling the support against Arsenal, they were running an extra mile. I was trying to explain that if we stick together it will be easier."
It was put to Benítez that the supporters may be even more angered following his comments and that the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge could be even more vitriolic on Saturday when they play West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.
He said: "The fans can express their feelings. That is normal. I don't have any problem with that. They have to stay behind the team, supporting the team. That is the way for me. It will be fantastic for the players, for everyone. I am part of the team. I need the supporters behind the team."
Benítez insisted he had no regrets about joining Chelsea. "When I decided to come here, it was because I have ambition," he added. "I have passion for the game and ambition, and I want to win trophies. Still we have two trophies to play for and I will try to do my best and win these trophies. I have confidence that what I'm doing is right and I will try to do my best until the last minute.
"I'm quite positive we can get a result, finish in the top three, top two. It's very clear still we have a lot of good chances. We will try to do our best in every competition. West Brom will be the first one. After that we'll try to progress in the Europa League and FA Cup. Every game is important. We want to win every game."
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