Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez believes that his side will perform better if they are greeted with a positive atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

Benitez angered the club's fans when he criticised them for making banners regarding his future rather than supporting his side during their match against Middlesbrough on Wednesday night.

It is expected that the former Liverpool boss will be met with a frosty reception when Chelsea take on West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, but Benitez has insisted that the fans need to create a positive atmosphere for his players.

The 52-year-old told reporters: "If we all stick together, then the atmosphere will be much better and the players will perform much better.

"Hopefully, we can get more points and then everyone will be happier at the end of the season.

"The fans can express their feelings, it's normal, so I don't have any problems with that. But, I say that if we stick together, then we can see the same atmosphere that we had against Arsenal earlier in the season. It would be fantastic for everyone."

Benitez has already stated that he will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.