By David Lynch
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez has revealed that he has not spoken with the club’s owner Roman Abramovich in almost three weeks.
The Blues initially enjoyed an upturn in form upon the Spaniard’s appointment in November but have won just one of their last five games in all competitions.
And, despite rumours circulating that Benitez could see his short reign at Stamford Bridge ended early, the former Liverpool boss insists he is comfortable with his position.
“I last spoke to him after the Arsenal game, 20 days ago. We were doing really well and he was really happy,” he told reporters.
“Since then, I’ve had conversations with people close to him but not directly. Do you know what he thinks? If you don’t know, you can’t say this or that will happen. Nobody knows.
“We have been talking with the people here. I was talking with him. We were talking about football. In terms of football everything is fine.”
The 52-year-old went on to claim that he is only focusing on the west London club’s next game – a home clash with Wigan.
“I know that I have a game, an important game – and that is my priority,” he added. “My contract is until the end of the season. I cannot talk about my future if my priority is the next game.
“I am sure I was training my players and preparing for this game. I cannot give you an answer.
“Why? Because I have to concentrate on the next game. I have a contract until the end of the season and we can be talking and talking, but all I can do is win games.
“My job is exactly the same. After winning, you can have better comments in the media in general, but that’s part of football.
“I’ve been in football for 26 years as a manager, and all my life as a player too. If you win, it’s fine. If not, people start talking. But I knew I was signing a contract for six or seven months.”
