Rafa’s out if Blues lose.. (and they eye Martinez)

Posted Saturday, February 09, 2013 by The Sun

RAFA BENITEZ faces the axe at Chelsea if he loses at home to lowly Wigan today.

And Latics boss Roberto Martinez is a surprise name in the running to replace him at Stamford Bridge.

A dismal run of just one win in six matches has left the unpopular Benitez teetering on the brink.

Another setback against third-bottom Wigan could spell the end — less than three months after the Spaniard took over as manager.

Chelsea are unlikely to finish in a top-four Champions League spot on current form, having taken just five points from a possible 12.

And that would be catastrophic in their attempts to attract a top new boss and key signings in the summer.

Senior sources at the club expect ruthless Russian owner Roman Abramovich to act quickly if the depressing slump continues.

One key figure said: “Roman is loyal to Benitez and desperately wants him to stay in charge until the end of the season.

“But that loyalty will be tested to the limit if Rafa fails again.

“The be-all and end-all at this club has always been that we at least finish in the top four — and current results mean that could now be in serious doubt.

“And, let’s be honest, he has sacked managers for far less.”

Last week’s 3-2 defeat at Newcastle was Benitez’s latest failure against Premier League strugglers.

It followed draws with relegation-haunted Reading and Southampton — with hapless Chelsea surrendering a 2-0 lead in both games.

And there have been further embarrassments with the FA Cup fourth-round stalemate at League One Brentford and the toothless Capital One Cup semi-final exit to Swansea.

Benitez, who has the worst record of any boss in the Abramovich era, has also suffered defeats to West Ham and QPR during his time with Chelsea.

If Wigan join them, then the manager’s humiliation will be complete.

Ironically, Latics boss Martinez is now being spoken of as a potential successor.

The top choices remain Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, David Moyes and Manuel Pellegrini.

But there are those in the Abramovich circle who also champion Martinez.

The Spaniard has done a good job at Wigan — despite operating with limited resources.