The Spaniard was appointed manager last week after Roberto di Matteo was unceremoniously sacked as Chelsea boss, despite having led the club to both the Champions League and FA Cup last season. The former midfielder's popularity coupled with Benitez's Liverpool past produced a poisonous atmosphere during Sunday's goalless draw with Manchester City.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's west London derby, Jol said: "I think it had more to do with Di Matteo. He was much appreciated there because he did well as a player and, I think, he did well as a manager, to be fair."
He added: "It was not a decision that everyone could understand so you get this sort of thing. But Rafa Benitez is a true professional who has been in this business for a long time so he is tough enough."
Fulham head to their neighbours on the back of a five-match winless streak and the Cottagers are in danger of losing a third successive match.
Chelsea are also without a win in five league games, but Jol is not too bothered about the statistics.
"Two weeks ago they said we were on an unbeaten run of six games," he said.
"We had four draws in that and the game against Sunderland came up and we had a red card so we were a bit unfortunate.
"I feel you can always lose at Stoke so we are close, but of course we have to get our winning streak back.
"That is what I feel, because even you get draws that is not enough because it is only one point. We have had a lot of draws."
Source: PA
Source: PA