Chelsea won't axe Rafa Benitez before end of season, confirms chief executive Ron Gourlay

Rafa Benitez will not be sacked by Chelsea before the end of the season.

The Spaniard confirmed last week he will leave in the summer when he launched a furious tirade at the club’s fans who are unhappy with his presence at the club.

That rant led to widespread speculation that the Blues’ interim manager would be removed before May, but chief executive Ron Gourlay insists the club has not changed its stance in the past seven days.

He said: “It was the club's plan to have Benitez as interim manager with the aim of securing a Champions League position at the end of the season. We'll assess the situation then.

“We can still win the Europa League and FA Cup, but make no mistake, our priority lies with a Champions League spot.”