The Spaniard was booed by a section of Blues fans during his first game in charge against Manchester City on Sunday, with some holding up banners venting their frustrations at his appointment and Roberto Di Matteo's sacking.

While in charge of Liverpool, Benitez made negative remarks about Chelsea supporters and the club's decision to hand out 'plastic flags', and insisted he would never work for the club.

But when asked if he was prepared to apologise to fans for his previous remarks, Benitez avoided the question which will likely not appease a host of Chelsea fans with long memories.

"The problem is that we cannot analyse what I did nor what I say," Benitez said. "We cannot really check. I will show them that I can try my best."

The 52-year-old likened his situation to that of a new player arriving at a club, and is keen to focus on improving his new squad and starting to win matches again.

"Imagine that you have a player that has no support of fans. What I will tell him is - listen, stay focused, work for your club," he said.

"Don't be distracted, concentrate on football. I understand. I know about the fans.

"But at the same time I will try to prove that I am here for the right reasons, that I am here to win. I will concentrate on my coaching, to improve players, and to win."

Chelsea host London rivals Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday desperate to end a recent slump which has seen them drop to third spot behind Manchester United and City.