Football: I won't be forced out, vows under-fire Benitez

LONDON (AFP) - Under-fire Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez insists there is no chance he will be forced out before his contract expires at the end of this season.

Benitez has faced renewed calls for his dismissal after he launched an astonishing attack on the club's fans and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy following his side's 2-0 win at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday.

The 52-year-old, despised by many Chelsea fans following his spell with their rivals Liverpool, risked the wrath of Blues owner Roman Abramovich by asking why the club insisted on making him an 'interim' manager when he replaced the sacked Roberto di Matteo in November.

Benitez's outburst sparked speculation that his position was in immediate danger, but the Spaniard took training as scheduled on Thursday as the European champions began preparations for Saturday's league game with West Bromwich Albion.