Despite being the victim of a lot of hate from Chelsea supporters during his seven months in charge as manager of Chelsea, Rafa Benitez has overcome adversities from his own supporters to lift the Europa League trophy and end Chelsea’s season on a high with the club’s home game against Everton on Sunday, where the club needs just a draw to finish in third place.

In a show of support for their manager, Chelsea footballers have come out and asked fans to call a truce with Benitez and show him support on Sunday when the club conduct a lap of honor around the pitch at the end of the match.

Petr Cech said:

“It is up to the fans to decide but he has done enough to show what he can do. He came here to try to win trophies and do as best he could — and he did that. It is up to everyone to decide what reception he will get on Sunday.

Gary Cahill agreed with Cech:

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion but you can’t really knock what he has done and we have finished strongly over the last couple of months.”

And Frank Lampard summed up the mood in the Chelsea camp by saying:

“Success is driven by a team effort and it is the entire team and management team that need to take credit for what we have overcome and achieved this season and I am sure that the fans, as always, will celebrate that success with us, team and manager alike.”

What do you think Chelsea supporters? If you’re a Blues fan, have you changed your opinion on Benitez, and do you think he should be applauded on Sunday at Stamford Bridge? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

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