Chelsea - Newcastle: Sad return day of coach Rafa Benitez

(Baonghean.vn) - In his career, coach Rafa Benitez has spent more than half a season leading Chelsea. The Spanish strategist's most impressive achievement was helping the Stamford Bridge team win the Europa League.

"New debt, old hatred"

On November 22, 2012, Chelsea's board of directors appointed the former Liverpool manager to the hot seat left by his predecessor Di Matteo. The decision of the top brass at Stamford Bridge was met with strong opposition from home fans. The reason was that during his time as Liverpool's captain, Rafa Benitez had repeatedly attacked Chelsea.

David Johnstone, spokesman for the Chelsea Supporters' Association in England, said: "There are some people who are born to work for a certain team. Obviously Benitez is not in that category. We do not want him to become Chelsea's coach. My impression of him is very bad. Because after every defeat, Benitez often blames others."

Indeed, during his time at Stamford Bridge, coach Rafa Benitez often had to endure criticism from Chelsea fans until he left the team in May 2013. Even the achievements of helping The Blues win the Europa League and finish 3rd in the Premier League in the 2012/2013 season did not make Chelsea fans hate Rafa Benitez less.

Coach Rafa Benitez with the Europa League trophy in 2013. Photo: Internet

Therefore, when returning to Stamford Bridge this time, the Spanish strategist will most likely not be warmly welcomed by the home fans. Although they are "old friends", in the hearts of both Rafa Benitez and Chelsea fans, there is hatred for each other. This is an opportunity for the former Liverpool coach to settle "old debts, new grudges" with Chelsea.

Rafa holds grudge

Perhaps, on this return to Stamford Bridge, Rafa Benitez will hardly be able to leave London with a victorious smile. Simply, his Newcastle is too inferior to his opponent in every aspect.

In terms of strength, the team nicknamed "Magpies" is mostly made up of average players. Clark, Ritchie, Shelvey, Joselu, Gayle... are too mediocre when placed next to Hazard, Kante, Morata, Fabregas... of coach Conte.

In addition, the recent form of coach Rafa Benitez and his team has been extremely bad. In the last 5 matches in the Premier League, Newcastle has only won 1 point (lost 4, drawn 1), scored 3 goals and conceded 11. After 14 rounds, the black and white striped team is ranked 12th with 15 points and is exactly 5 points above the relegation group.

Chelsea just had a 1-0 victory over Swansea in round 14. Photo: Internet

With such poor form, Newcastle cannot stop the progress of coach Conte and his team. It seems that Chelsea is returning to its true self after a period of trouble at the beginning of the season. In the last 5 matches in all competitions, the team at Stamford Bridge has won 4 and drawn 1 match. The form of Hazard and his teammates is at a quite high level.

With their strength and form being far inferior to their opponents, and having to play at Stamford Bridge, Newcastle should not dream of winning points against Chelsea. Defeat is inevitable for the visitors and coach Rafa Benitez will once again swallow his anger in West London./.

Thanh Hung