The relationship between Chelsea fans and Benitez never got off on the right foot as the Spaniard was booed colossally during his first game in charge, given his former ties with rivals Liverpool. Though he did not let the jeers affect him as he maintained a calm outlook, it definitely bothered him inside as all the emotions came pouring out as Benitez lashed out at the club’s fans and owners for their behaviour later in the season.

Though that story is part of the past now, the relationship since has somewhat healed between the two as there were sections of the Chelsea crowd who were warm towards the outgoing Benitez because of the fact that he led the Blues to a third-place finish in the league and silverware in the form of Europa League.

As his tenure is set to end after Chelsea’s post-season friendlies in America where they are set to play Manchester City twice, Chelsea’s midfield star Lampard was reported by Metro as describing the relationship Benitez shared with him and his fellow players. He said that Benitez avoided building personal relationships with the players and kept it strictly about business on the training ground. However, maintaining such an approach is not wrong as long as it delivers success. He was quoted by The Sun as saying, “There are certain managers you build relationships with and feel closer to.”

“He’s not that kind of bloke.”

“Other managers draw a bit of a line and keep it that way. Rafa’s more like that.”

“He was not really the sort of manager you could sit and talk with. He won’t go round putting his arm around every player — and I’m not saying that’s wrong.”

“So there was no planning, no long-term relationships were going to be built. So, in that respect, he did a good job because we got the end result – success.”

As Benitez is set to make a quiet exit from Stamford Bridge, will the memory of the Spaniard be sweet or sour among the Chelsea fans?