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.

The 52-year-old, despised by many Chelsea fans following his spell with rival 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 his position was in immediate danger, but the Spaniard took training as scheduled on Thursday as the European champion began preparations for Saturday's league game with West Bromwich Albion.