Liverpool legend Alan Hansen says Rafa Benitez has never had a chance to succeed at Chelsea.

Hansen wrote in the Telegraph: "There has never been a manager who has faced so many insurmountable obstacles preventing him from succeeding. At just about every level, he has had no chance of getting rid of the description 'interim'.

"It began on day one, the reception he received from his own supporters ahead of the 0-0 draw with Manchester City which was replicated in the away end at the Etihad during Sunday's defeat.

"Such resistance from the Chelsea fans could not be brushed aside as it would not even matter if Benítez excelled in the job, they would never accept him.

"But to suggest his difficulties are related solely to his unpopularity with the Chelsea fans is simplistic, overlooking deeper problems he has inherited in west London."