Rafael Benitez hits out

Rafael Benitez today launched a bizarre rant against Ray Wilkins after the former Chelsea coach blamed him for Ashley Cole’s hamstring injury.

Wilkins claimed Benitez’s rotation policy caused the strain, which will keep Cole out for at least two weeks.

The left-back was rested for the defeat against Southampton on Saturday and pulled up lame 21 minutes into the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United on Monday.

Wilkins said: “He is one of these machines. You have to keep it well oiled and it will fly. Had he played on Saturday, he wouldn’t have done that yesterday.”

But Benitez (above) today hit back saying: “I thought it was the first of April. I can’t take the comment seriously, so first of April. I have a degree in sport science in Spain and some merits in different universities, it is the first time I have ever heard anything like this, so first of April.”