Benitez won’t celebrate if Chelsea find the net at West Ham

Saturday, December 1, 2012
9:54 AM

Rafael Benitez insisted there would be no wild celebrations from him if Chelsea ended their goal drought in their Premier League game at West Ham.

Wednesday night saw interim Blues boss Benitez become the first manager since Roman Abramovich bought the club to oversee two goalless draws in his opening two games in charge.

He is also the first not to win one of his first two matches under the Russian, while Chelsea have now failed to score in three successive games for the first time in the Abramovich era.

The five-hour, 21-minute drought has done nothing to quell the supporter unrest over Roberto Di Matteo’s sacking and Benitez’s appointment as his replacement.

Having been jeered, abused and subjected to banners protesting his very presence in the home dugout at Stamford Bridge, Benitez could be forgiven for letting out all his frustrations if Chelsea do score at Upton Park tomorrow.

But the Spaniard, renowned for his muted goal celebrations, said: “I don’t think so.

“You know me. I am really proud when we score and do things well, but sometimes, when you score, it’s the time to talk to players.

“Some managers like to jump around and roar. The fans sometimes enjoy this.”

Benitez, who insisted a goal would mean nothing tomorrow if it was not followed by a win, added: “When you’re the manager, you want to celebrate but each celebrates in his own way.

“I’m happy inside and try to be ready for the next one.”