LONDON – Worn down by constant criticism by fans, Rafael Benitez announced Wednesday he will leave as Chelsea’s manager at the end of the season.
Benitez made his decision public during an extraordinary post-match outburst in which he also took aim at the Premier League club’s hierarchy.
The Spanish coach spoke during the news conference after the Blues won 2-0 at Middlesbrough and advanced to an F.A. Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United, saying his position had been untenable since he was appointed “interim manager” in November.
“I will leave at the end of the season — they don’t need to waste time with me,” said Benitez, referring to a section of fans who jeered him at Riverside Stadium.
Benitez was hired as the replacement for the fired Roberto di Matteo, and has never been accepted by a large section of Chelsea fans.