• Premier League

Cech urges Chelsea fans to support Benitez

ESPN staff
November 25, 2012
Roberto Mancini sympathetic towards Rafael Benitez

Petr Cech has urged Chelsea fans to give Rafael Benitez a chance after the new Blues boss was booed during his first game in charge.

The former Liverpool boss, who famously criticised Chelsea fans for their lack of passion, was given a hostile reception when he was introduced ahead of Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Benitez endured boos and chants of 'There's only one Di Matteo', and although Cech understands supporters' resentment towards the Spaniard, he has urged fans to support the new manager.

"Unfortunately you cannot change the history," Cech told Sky Sports. "You don't know what's going to happen in the future. Mr Benitez was the Liverpool coach obviously, we had a lot of rivalry and it comes from there.

"But he is here to try and change things and put us in a winning mode. He needs to be given a chance to prove his worth."

Cech admits he feels personally responsible for the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo following the Blues' Champions League defeat to Juventus in midweek. Di Matteo guided Chelsea to the FA Cup and Champions League last season, but was axed after a poor run of form in recent weeks.

"It's always bad news as a player because you are responsible for the situation as well," Cech said. "The manager and players are in the same boat and if you don't do well it's the players' responsibility as well as the manager's. Unfortunately you cannot change the whole team, the manager has to go, that happened again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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