Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez hopes for some breathing space after victory over Wigan Athletic.

It is a result which is likely to at least delay Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who is not renowned for his patience, reaching for the trigger. Benitez was unfazed.

"It was just speculation," he said.

"Nobody is in contact with the owner to find out if he says this or that.

"It is my job: try to win every game. That's it, so I have to concentrate on that."