Rafael Benitez has no regrets over Chelsea move

Rafael Benitez says he has no regrets about becoming Chelsea's interim manager.

The Spaniard, 52, replaced Roberto Di Matteo in November.

However, Benitez has struggled to win over some fans, prompting him to criticise their lack of support.

Asked whether he had any regrets about the Chelsea job, he said: "No, It has been a great experience to have the opportunity to win four or five trophies."

A section of the club's supporters has been unable to forgive Benitez for his association with Liverpool, or forget the rivalry he formed with then Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

As Liverpool manager, Benitez outwitted Mourinho in the 2005 and 2007 Champions League semi-finals as well as the 2006 FA Cup semi-final. He was also critical towards his current club while in charge at Anfield.

Following Wednesday's 2-0 FA Cup win at Middlesbrough, Benitez gave a defiant post-match interview to BBC Radio 5 live in which he accused fans on of "wasting time doing banners or singing songs" in protest of his appointment, adding he would be leaving the club in May.

He also criticised the decision to give him the title "interim manager" as a "massive mistake".

But he says his comments about the fans were made to encourage a unified backing of the team.

"The best for my team is to have a very good atmosphere behind them, players feeling the support," he said.

"Against Napoli they were running an extra mile. Feeling the support against Arsenal, they were running an extra mile. I was trying to explain that if we stick together it will be easier."

Following his remarks, speculation mounted about his immediate future at the club but he told BBC Sport's Dan Walker in an exclusive interview for Football Focus he had an "excellent" relationship with owner Roman Abramovich and would remain until the summer.

Chelsea host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and a win would strengthen their hopes of finishing inside the Champions League places.

The London club are fourth with 49 points, two above fifth-place Arsenal.

Benitez added: "If we stick together, it will be easier and we can get more points.

"I would like to see a fantastic atmosphere supporting the team, and I will be really pleased with that."