Chelsea News 24/7Writer: Merlin 
Date:Friday December 28 2012
Time: 9:35AM
UK time is: 01:56:17
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Rafa the Gaffer - Permanent!
Splashed all over the back page of one tabloid is something that will put the cat amongst the pigeons!
A statement stares out at you inferring that Roman Abramovich has been so impressed by how Rafa Benitez has turned things around at Stamford (six wins in the last seven games) that he`s seriously considering giving Rafa the job on a permanent basis.
It`s also inferred that Roman`s original plan, to bring Pep Guardiola to Chelsea is floundering with rumours of a return to Barcelona growing, whilst plans to bring the 'Special One` back look set to be thwarted by Jose opting for a move too either Manchester United, Manchester City or Paris t Germain.
Now whist the protests over Rafa`s interim appointment have died down, it`ll be interesting to see how the Vital Chelsea members view Rafa being given the job on a permanent basis.
Your views please!
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Your Comments
Never! won't accept him under any circumstances!
unclezillion
I won't say anything till I see more of this man till may, then we'll be able to assess him without bias, but right now, he is doing a decent job, our game against everton will tell us more about his tactical nous
Desmondadonis
if roman will give Rafa full time job then get ready for new interim coach for next season....
shlok27
At the moment, I Love You RAFA..
no one was available at the time RDM left but you Rafa and the spanish Pep.. and you are far more better tactician than Di matteo, although he is my legend, the one who has been sacked at WBA..
If you can bring four trophies left this year, I will start worshiping you RAFA.. just don't care that fans who hate you.. if they are entitled to their opinion, I am also entitled to my opinion.. The Rafa lovers is the silent majority..
OneRoman
Unclezillion don’t be a plonker, I too felt the same when Rafa took over, but I got out of that stage and now realise he just who we need to steady the ship and put us back on the right road , the man got balls to even take the job . he decision making is good and know how to change things and use a plan B, even putting Luiz into midfield is surely a master stroke, so lets stop be childish and back him after all the club comes first before any individual
fitzy-carefree
Too soon to tell, lets wait until may, he has 5 monhts, to prove himself, for now he hasn't played against any tough rival, except Man City in the first game in charge. The board and Roman can than decide, upon the avaible managers who would suit us best (Benitez, Guardiola and Mourinho).
icebluelg
Only an ignorant person wont admit that we are a lot better under Tubby when compared to RDM (unfortunately)...At first I could not stand his appointment (espcially the match where he wore a red tie), but truth be told, the team is obviously improving...and credit to him...his Luiz conversion tells a lot about Tubby's deep and unique view of players' talents as well as tubby's personality (i.e bold)...he seems to also wanta integrate youth...he has impressed me up until this point...talking about him getting the job on a full time basis...that single decision is major for the club's future in a lot of ways and should be taken very carefully..'ll prefer to wait and see how Tubby's decisions influence the team's progress over the remaining course of the season...'ll hold on a bit more..before i can give a firm view...still early days for me
layorh12
Rafa has produced some good results so far. but also some poor ones . IF Roman thinks hes got Torres scoring , I wuld suggest Roman kees a close ey on Torres performance against Everton...a team totlly different to the lowly Aston Villa. Torres only scores against poor opposition so far. If he and the team can reproducethe vIlla result or anything close to it , against Everton, then yes, 'Id say Rafa is justifying keeping the job, but he hasnt convinced me so far
Blue_Mel
The media is trying to unsettle the club.
zosBlue
Blue_Mel, If Chelsea reproduce anything close to the Villa result at Everton it will be one of the most historic results in the history of the Premier League! Considering we have lost there 3 years on the bounce I'd happily accept a draw then beat QPR. That would be 10 points over Christmas. If Chelsea finish 3rd and win the League Cup I'd say Rafa will get the job (for good or bad!) unless of course he gets the Real Madrid job, which is definitely a possibility.
CobhamBlue
If we are to judge rafa now i would say give him the fulltime job right away but i dont wanna jump the gun so i would rather wait till MAY then we can assess him..however rafa has really done a great job since taken over,our team play has improved,we are defendin better,scorin scores,rotating players,even youths like piazon,ake and fringe players like bertrand,fereira and marin have all gotten gametime under their belts,rafa has goten torres scorin again(doubtful)..like rafa or hate him he deserves all the credit he is gettin
Ken4CFC
Obviously crappy news to unsettle d CFC fan base...Saw the news this morning and laughed it off. The more funny one was reading a quote from Rafa by Dan,saying he has really good friends at Everton. Really Rafa? Remember when you called Everton a small club? Rafa is obviously going to get a hostile reception at the mersey side,but will be interesting to see how Chelsea fans respond. Back him or let him get slacked. Lol
nelyvanile
I would wait till May before giving him a permanent contract. I would also judge him on tactics/results in BIG GAMES. There are lots of managers out there who would LOVE to manage Chelsea even FOR ONE YEAR. If we don't get Rafa or Pep that is NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. It was pleasing to see our young players getting some game time and I hope we can give game time to our other youth team players as well. TORRES: Just don't start please. WE ALL KNOW HE IS INCONSISTENT/fragile/goes down like a baby, for me he doesn't deserve to be in Chelsea's first team not even in the reserve team.
B2K420
I don't think this is true but lets just wait and see what the future holds.
Elbowz
Early days
ForeverChels
Like zosblue said, this is obviously the media trying to unsettle the majority of the club's fan base who dont want him. The club's mgt is not as myopic as some fans as to make the same mistake twice in one season. Rafa's today praise singers who keep singing about how he has turned around our season would be among the first to call for his sack when results dont go our way in maybe 3 or 4 consecutive matches and hit a bad run. Just before the man utd match, every single fan on this site was singing robbie's praise about how he has made us playing attacking mesmerising football with our 3 amingos, but immediately the team hit a bad patch, they all brought out their swords demanding for rafa's head. Thats definately not how to support a team in transition.
Chelz Akamz
u are welcomed rafa.it started with draws,then wins with clean sheets,then mind blowing wins,then mdfld powerhouse'LUIZ" Now the academy boys slotting in 1st team.surely what moronic fun can't see that?plz roman continue the good work .
mzee69
*demanding for robbie's head.
Chelz Akamz
If rafa continues his impressive run, guides us to a comfortable 3rd place finish and win 1 of the cup competitions then he must have proved himself as deserving of any future permanent deal and the stamford bridge faithfuls would accept his appointment and support him even if they would never love him like they love robbie. But singing his praises like he is the best thing to happen to us this season after just a handful of matches is really prematured. What happens should the team hit another bad run? Sack him and appoint another interim coach??
Chelz Akamz
Obviously some fans would go jump off a cliff if rafa remains here next season..lol
Ken4CFC
Roman is never gonna give him the job until the end of season analysis!!! I wont even be drawn into this fabrication!!!
3nity
He is doing a good job even with JT not being available.If we can get in a decent
striker who can hold up the ball it will make a huge difference to our play.
For people to say they don't want him just because he did his job at
Liverpool and had a physiological battle a couple of times with Moanrinho
before huge games,winning quite a few,is so childish.He is a great tactician and and given the right backing could build something really special.
THEBREEZE
mmm... not so sure. as regards the success of luiz in mid field can't be put down as a stroke of genius. hundreds of fans, especially on here wanted that virtually since his (luiz's) arrival. but he was the first to have the courage t do it. winning one of the domestic CUPS wont keep rafa in the job. and why do so many think we'll finish third when we are currently only 4 pts behind city with a game in hand. surely city are catchable. and manure can also be caught because they have a terrible defence.
trueblue44
No manager is permanent at Chelsea. I think every manager should be named interim manager, after all thats what they are.
Taimur
I'll support Rafa as long as he's at our beloved club. I don't care what anybody says afterall we are getting good results thus far. Anyone who doesn't see this must be blind. Let's support our club and the gaffer and stop wasting time discussing the past. I know somebody will chop my head off right now but this is my opinion.
BOTUM
Rafa is not the man...I personally don't see anything different in our play now and how we were at the start of the season under Rdm where we won the first 7 out of our 8 games. Fact is this club always struggles come november time even under Mourinho, Scolari, Anchelotti. Rfa was lucky in the sense that he came in as our "bad moment" was coming to an end. I'm convinced RDM would have picked it up after the "bad moment"...FGS even Avram Grant was able to pick it up after the "bad moment"
Ess...DaBison
i cant believe VC members wants Rafa to take the job permanently, is it because he won 8-0, or what?
darilngblue
remember when RDM took the job when AVB was sacked, he did very well, he got back on track in the CL and FA cup, yet what happen in november as a permanent coach?
darilngblue
I wanted him in the summer before Di Matteo was given the full-time job. Now that he's here, you can add continuity/stability to the list of merits he offers. There simply is not another manager as good as Benitez that Chelsea could hope to sign. Rafa is a truly top drawer manager, and the other top drawer managers are all either committed to other big clubs or have already been sacked by Chelsea. Benitez is a very astute tactician and he's very good at working with the tools he's given. The latter is especially important for a Chelsea manager; managers at this club don't have control over the transfer policy, and that's been the undoing of some past appointments, but it won't be a problem for Benitez. Rafa has a clear idea of system, but he's flexible in terms of formation and very good at finding ways to fit the personnel at hand into his system effectively. This is an invaluable asset for a club run in the fashion in which Chelsea FC is run.
Slein Jinn
Go for it! Why not! He is doing alright (now) although after the West Ham game I had my doubts but that was early on, one could say. I find this Rafa-bashing a bit childish actually. Torres used to score goals against us regularly for the bin dippers but is anyone hating Torres for this?
OldShedBoy
As somebody just put, no manager is permanent at chelsea. So no point in expecting a long term manager because simply we would never gate one. But i don't want jose mourinho anywhere near cobham. Can't wait for him to come to united and f.u.c.k them up for good.
Blue India
This got me chuckling..to begin with as some astute observers have said the word permanent manager and chelsea are oxymorons..they are mutually exclusive in the Roman era. All managers here are really interim...let us wait and see if Rafa even survives till May knowing the trigger happy owner we have..God forbid we lose like 5 games straight, crash out of the Europa league and Carling cup in quick succession you will immediately see that nothing has changed regarding fan sentiments and Romans itchy finger. Offcourse i feel this club desperately needs stability but any wise observer knows that and anyone thinking that Rafa is neccesarily any better than others before him like Carlo, Jose and even RDM is just having selective memory that simply glorifies the present flavor of the moment. These were all worthy coaches with pros and cons and if Roman had been patient with any of them and given them time, trust and resources they asked for rather than his Trojan "gifts" whichever of them the club had retained would have had us better of in the long run..it is what stability does..go ask teams like ManU, Bayern, Borrusia Dortmund, Everton etc. The bottom line is Rafa like all those before him is an extended "bad moment" away from getting a pink slip from the moody russian. I have no emotional investment about it and i am quite certain Roman hasnt become "born again" overnight. This is one leopard that does not change his spots nor is he a Zebra that changes his stripes. For Rafa the issue of permanence is laughable..it is not a matter of "if" but "when" Roman gets bored, tired or frustrated and does what he always does. BTW for those who said Chelsea can always get another top shelf manager..i think you need to wake up and smell the coffee..Romans games are growing old..the community of top class football managers in the world is a small one..we are close to wearing our welcome to the club...money cannot get you everything..if it could pep would be managing us by now. I will just sit back and watch the soap opera develop.
GabeU
@GabeU: Good point "All mangers at Chelsea are really interim" lol.
B2K420
Well said GabeU - as always you're spot on my friend!
eddy_theeel
The only way we keep Rafa is if either Pep or Mourinho don't want the job. If they don't, the club can only blame itself for scaring away top managers. Tubby isn't one, even if he deserves credit for giving us more balance between defence and attack. Let's see how we cope at Everton before we start trying to seriously evaluate a man who's really just arrived.
RadioactiveD
Well said GabeU...that is very true
Ess...DaBison
Just basically shows how clouded most fans are,doesn't take too long for fans to kiss Rafa's ass. Credit to him for the wins and the balance struck in the team,but to talk about a permanent job is just totally out of it...You can argue Robbie had a better start to the league with winning away to Arsenal and Spurs pretty decent opposition. Bottom line its basically to early to become judgmental and over enthusiastic of Rafa's managerial position.
nelyvanile
I saw the headline on NewsNow, came over here, and I have to say I'm disappointed. I expected to encounter some more rampant outbursts by the oversentimental, close-minded squigs and merlins on this page. Would have given me something to chuckle at once again. Anyways, considering this is a team in transition, Benitez has done a decent job so far. The defence has become much more solid after he took over and we seem to be back on track. If he could carry on like this, get us a straight CL spot or possibly even win us some silverware in the end I would not mind him staying.
ElMagicoNino
City is very unlikely to move for Mourinho, as the owners regard that club as an ambassador for their country, and Mourinho is deemed to inflammatory. That's also their main concern with Mancini, his public criticism of referees during their UCL-exit, more than the results on the pitch. City would love Pep, though, who is goodwill personified. United, with their stability and long traditions (similar to Real) would also seem like a mismatch for Mourinho, whose volatile style would be best at teams during transition, such as ours and PSG.
Maestrinho
I do not see anything wrong wih Rafa other than him being an ex-Liverpool Gaffer. Tactically he has done a good jobn the players are responding well to him.He is just unlucky that he has an unacceptable past and certain things are happening which can make him even more unpopular even when its beyond his control. Old guard eing let go etc. Will I support hisappointment - YES - I support Cheslea even whn Torrs is on my team - he is also ex-Liverpool BTW and always performed top notch against Chelsea but has never doe much in blue. I just find people ho do not support Rafa but support Torres hypocrites because itsone and the same thing. Support the club and move on. IMO I think Rafa is the only top manager willing to come to Chelsea. Other top managers would rather go elsewhere.
BlueFortune
No need to insult Merlin, first of all, Nino. He's responsible for the daily grunt work. Do you go to someone's home and insult the food they give you? Hell, you probably do. As for Squig or anyone else who is "sentimental" by your lofty (that's sarcasm, in case it eludes you) standards, let me point out that sentimentality and reason aren't always mutually exclusive. But that means you'd have to deviate from your simplistic worldview--and who wants that inconvenience?
RadioactiveD
Torres didn't abuse chelsea fans whilst at liverpool, rafa did that, so the comparism is not valid
Desmondadonis
RadioactiveD - It's funny that you insinuate abusive manners while it's been you - for years - who has attacked each and everyone here who disagreed with you, pathetically seeking appraisal and endorsement, which you probably lack in real life, on a low-standard internet forum. That's actually an 'inconvenience' I would not want to suffer from. ;)
ElMagicoNino
Loads of stories on twitter that pep Guardiola has decided which team he is joining in the summer,and that it is in England! Chelsea? City? United? I wonder who it is
Dave-David
"Pathetically seeking appraisal?" Just because it's offered doesn't mean I'm seeking it. Yet another simple distinction that eludes you entirely. As for my "abusing" of other members, I offer no apology for having an opinion of those who are either bad at thinking or uninformed, or both. You don't always fit the bill, but right now you certainly do. It's a shame, really, because I agree with your comments about Rafa. I do however strongly disagree w your hostility towards two very kind, informed, and fully committed supporters such as Merlin and Squig. We need more contributors like them. If you're too blind or angry or stupid to pick up on that, well, expect more retaliation from me. I will jump to their defense.
RadioactiveD
Now, to suggest that I lack "endorsement" in real life, Nino, is uncalled for. I work incredibly hard and I'm good at my job. I have a group of loyal friends that I'm proud to call my friends. I'm a good son to a mother who nearly died of cancer this past summer. Watch your mouth, you ignorant little vermin.
RadioactiveD
Has Rafa done anything special? NO!. Has Rafa beat Man utd? Man City? Tottenham? Liverpool? NO!. Have we win any trophy with Rafa? NO? Until Rafa win important matchs for us and win real trophy NO TO RAFA.
BluesArmy
What can't be denied is Rafa is a very good manager. He's amongst the Hiddinks, Klopps, Moyes, Ancelottis, etc... Is he the right manager for Chelsea, as GabeU correctly pointed out no one is. But there is a high chance he'll do a very good job and may last longer than the end of the season. If so I just hope the board offer him a 1 year contract. The lifespan of a chelsea manager is no secret, anyone interested already knows the pitfuls. If they are prepared to take the well paid risk, they should happily agree to a 1 year rolling contract.
pancake
@ElMagico. You do deserve a serious slap on the right side of your cheek,and if that doesn't hurt then kindly turn while I smack your head from behind. You come out sounding like someone who's basically on a mission to get noticed by picking on people with deep intellects of the round leather game,probably more than you might ever know. If u feel people don't have a life and spend their time on here,then that would make you pretty much guilty of the same thing. You really should be smacked hard so it gets a cell or two in you brain functioning properly.
nelyvanile
sup guys i can't log in using my phone but i can see all the comments! anyone knows what i can do? my phone is C3300K samsung
BluesInMe
If our form against weaker teams continues against stronger ones, if he manage to make this talented players to play nice football and defend good and strong in the process, if he gets one signing right (that much he will be allowed at best), if he successfully rotate players - all of these I find extremely unlikely- I would consider not wanting him to remain for one more year childish. We are chelsea fans , we want best for this team, and believe or not, like-ness comes with success...;)
Luna
Rafa will win trophies for Chelsea if given time. He is a man who has the experience having started coaching at 26. I his abilities and if he can make the club go forward then they should appoint him as the coach.
BlueFortune
*manages* *rotates*
Luna
Great point @Luna
B2K420
he definitely have my backing. In his first few days at the job he said the balance of the team is not right. This is a point most fans knew already. the 3 amigos were very good with the ball, but weren't contributing much when we don't have the ball. With Moses the difference is clear. RDM couldn't make the 3 amigos work harder without the ball. Barcelona work harder when they don't have the ball.
jollyheart Torres
Too many people underrating Benitez here comparing him to RDM is just ridiculous. The proof is in how quickly he has come in and managed to get the team organised and playing with confidence again. If people stopped legend worshipping for a second they would have realised from the start that RDM's teams lack defensive organisation its why he was fired at West Brom. If he was still manager we would be worse off than we are now. Notice how Lampard and Terry have said feckall since he went?
Anarchy
Nice to see Radio back in the mix, I am very sorry to hear about your mum and I hope all has been well as of late mate. As for Nino, biting the hand that feeds eh? Which you're used to anyway being the troll that you are. Grow up.
ForeverChels
BluesInMe....buy new phone...its got torres virus in it...so it wont work at all...
shlok27
Fighting like little children. Entertaining, keep it up.
foreign_viewer
At the moment,Rafa appear like he is capable. But hey! Its still too early to judge or conclude. I believe as the season progresses and at the end of it we will be able to make more rational conclusions as we notice more and more factors that will either have Rafa endeared to or detatched from the club. We are still in some competitions that will serve as a veritable platform for considerable assessment of the team's performance and style of player under him,with Europa,Capital 1 ,FA, bpl cups all for grabs. Hopefully at the end of the season the board will have enough facts n stats to decide regardless of the grudging and unforgiven minds of the hateful minority.
Ohans
too early to call shots on permanent position...still lot to play for...Media diverting our attention so that we lose our focus...lets us focus on football and start gaining our momentum...All talks of Rafa becming permanent, Lampard, cole, terry leaving are rubbhish talks now...lets concentrate on the season and we can decide in summer.
Blu_run
It was someone wanting to create something. They are not happy when chelsea is not in the news. It seems they really dont sell much when they do not report something from chelsea.
Kendemsblue
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