Rafael Benitez has reportedly claimed that he has an "excellent" relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and will not be sacked by the club before the end of his contract.

There had been suggestions that the former Liverpool boss would be dismissed before the close of the campaign in May following last night's outburst after the Blues secured an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United courtesy of a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.

The Spaniard criticised the club's disgruntled supporters and accused the board of making a "massive mistake" by giving him the title of interim manager when he took over from Roberto Di Matteo in November.

Despite the controversy, Benitez has told BBC Sport that there are no problems with his relationship with billionaire owner Abramovich and that he will keep his job until the summer.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has become the bookmakers' favourite to be installed as the permanent Chelsea boss at the end of the season.