Exclusive – Gianfranco Zola plays down link to Chelsea manager’s job and tells fans to back Rafa Benitez

Gianfranco Zola has urged Chelsea supporters to get behind Rafa Benitez – and played down reports he could replace the Spaniard at Stamford Bridge.

Benitez was an unpopular choice to take over at Stamford Bridge due to his previous spell in charge of Liverpool and didn’t help his cause by criticising the club’s fans during an angry outburst last week.

But, after seeing Benitez again come in for abuse during Chelsea's 1-0 win over West Brom on Saturday, Zola believes it’s time for everyone at the club to pull together.

“There is so much to play for and, rather than speculating what is going to happen, everyone should focus on things that really matter," said the Blues legend.

“This is a really important part of the season. They need to get into the Champions League, which is so important for the club.”

Benitez has confirmed he will leave Chelsea in the summer, and Zola is said to feature on Roman Abramovich's shortlist of potential successors.

However, the 46-year-old, who is winning praise for the work he is doing at Championship side Watford, insists his only focus is on helping the Hornets win promotion to the Premier League.

“I’m really enjoying what I’m doing over here," he insisted. "To be honest, I am more concerned with what will happen between now and the end of the season, which is going to make a big difference for me. My focus and attention is on Watford."