By CHARLIE WYETT
RAFA BENITEZ has no regrets over insulting Chelsea in the past — and vows to get Fernando Torres scoring.
The Spaniard refused to apologise after being unveiled as interim boss yesterday.
Fans are furious that he taunted the club as Liverpool chief but Benitez is convinced he can win them over.
He said: “If I’m a fan, I’d want my manager fighting for my club.
“It wasn’t a lack of respect for the Chelsea fans. It was a manager defending his team.
“I’m sure the fans here would like to see me doing the same.
“You can analyse every sentence I say. It’s not the big issue. The big issue is that I was fighting, playing a top side in the Champions League semi-final.”
At the time of that 2007 clash, Benitez said: “Chelsea is a big club with fantastic players. But I would never take that job. For me there is only club in England, Liverpool.”
But owner Roman Abramovich did not care and Benitez’s first game is against Manchester City on Sunday.
He added: “I saw today a lot of players with a great attitude. Torres was one.
“Can we help them improve? It will be easier with Fernando.
“He is a top-class player and with his attitude, he’ll do it. I know how good he can be.”
Benitez, 52, has not managed since he was sacked by Inter Milan two years ago.
Asked about whether popularity is important, he said: “For sure, I like to do things in the right way for the fans.
“In the end, they’ll be pleased.”
Benitez’s first signing was former Chelsea and Liverpool star Bolo Zenden, who joins as his assistant.
Here’s what Rafa said…
CHELSEA’S new boss may regret some of the things he said when he was in charge at Liverpool:
“If Chelsea are naive and pure then I’m Little Red Riding Hood.” (2007).
“We don’t need to give away flags for our fans to wave — our supporters are always there with their hearts, and that is all we need.” (Referring to 2007 Champions League semi-final against Chelsea).
“I’m sure Chelsea do not like playing Liverpool. Maybe they are afraid?” (On the same tie).
