Rafael Benitez’s reign at Chelsea got
off to a negative start, with the new manager being booed by the crowd
at Stamford Bridge during his first game in charge as the Blues drew 0-0
with Manchester City on Sunday.
The former Liverpool boss replaced
Roberto Di Matteo at the helm last week after the Italian was dismissed
for a run of just two wins in eight, but Benitez arrival in west London
was met with dismay by the Blues fans.
BBC Sport website said the
coach suffered a fiercely hostile reception from Chelsea’s supporters as
his managerial reign opened with a goalless draw.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich appointed
the coach on an interim basis after sacking Di Matteo only six months
after winning the Champions League and FA Cup.
Benitez’s arrival has met with an angry
response in the wake of his old rivalry with the fans during his time at
Anfield – and they made their strength of feeling abundantly clear.
The mediocre affair did little to lift
spirits, with City, still unbeaten in the league, marginally the better
side but unable to fashion the victory that would have taken them back
above Manchester United at the top of the table.
Benitez was left with plenty to ponder
after the frosty response from his own fans, who directed abusive chants
at him during the game and also delivered a minute’s applause for Di
Matteo after 16 minutes, in honour of the Italian who wore the number 16
shirt as a player.
And there was no instant revival for
Fernando Torres as he struggled once more — although Benitez will be
pleased with a clean sheet.
The antipathy directed towards Benitez
continued throughout a subdued first half, with City creating what few
opportunities there were.
David Silva headed off target from an
inviting cross from Pablo Zabaleta, who saw a shot from the edge of the
area blocked by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Sergio Aguero missed City’s best chance
four minutes before half-time, heading straight at Cech from eight yards
after being set up by strike partner Edin Dzeko.
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