Chelsea's interim head coach Rafael Benitez, right, stands beside Fernando Torres during a recent training session. Matt Dunham/AP/Press Association Images
He's back
Benitez refuses to take credit for upswing in Torres form
Interim Chelsea boss gives all the credit to the Spanish striker.
INTERIM CHELSEA MANAGER Rafael Benitez insists he has not had any influence over the improved form of Fernando Torres.
The Spaniard scored Chelsea’s second goal during their 3-1 win over Monterrey in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on Thursday, which brings his tally to five goals in his past three matches.
Before Benitez’s appointment last month, Torres had netted just six goals in 18 starts under Roberto Di Matteo this season, but the current Chelsea boss is adamant his arrival at Stamford Bridge has not aided the striker.
“I think that the whole team did well (against Monterrey), Fernando is a part of the team, he did well too, he could have done even better in a couple of occasions, but a good performance for him and the team,” Benitez told reporters.
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“He is better well because of him, not because of me. He has more confidence, we create more chances, so he has more chances to score.
“It is good for him. The only thing we did was to analyse his movements and improve his fitness, but I did not do anything special.”
Another player who had faced heavy criticism under Di Matteo’s reign is David Luiz, but Benitez was buoyed by the Brazilian’s performance in midfield against Monterrey and revealed the 25-year-old could be handed a similar role in future matches.
“We knew Monterrey ere good between the lines, they crowd that zone in midfield, so we needed some extra help there,” said Benitez.
“David Luiz played in midfield for this game but it could be an option for the future as well. At Benfica he played many positions, I know him well, and I knew he could do well in this position and help him with his quickness to neutralise Monterrey’s short passes.”
Victory against Monterrey, which was secured by strikes from Juan Mata, Torres and a Darvin Chavez own goal, is Benitez’s third consecutive win and he believes his side’s current form reflects the confidence within the squad.
“When I joined the club we had Man City visiting in three days, and then a derby, it was not easy, while now the players know what to do, they have confidence, and enjoy more playing our football,” he said.
“But we still need to improve, for example I am not happy with the goal we conceded tonight, such things could make a difference in the final.
“Details are important, they make a difference, the team should not concede and keeping concentration and a clean sheet is important, we must do well for all 90 minutes.”
Benitez refuses to take credit for upswing in Torres form
INTERIM CHELSEA MANAGER Rafael Benitez insists he has not had any influence over the improved form of Fernando Torres.
The Spaniard scored Chelsea’s second goal during their 3-1 win over Monterrey in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on Thursday, which brings his tally to five goals in his past three matches.
Before Benitez’s appointment last month, Torres had netted just six goals in 18 starts under Roberto Di Matteo this season, but the current Chelsea boss is adamant his arrival at Stamford Bridge has not aided the striker.
“I think that the whole team did well (against Monterrey), Fernando is a part of the team, he did well too, he could have done even better in a couple of occasions, but a good performance for him and the team,” Benitez told reporters.
“He is better well because of him, not because of me. He has more confidence, we create more chances, so he has more chances to score.
“It is good for him. The only thing we did was to analyse his movements and improve his fitness, but I did not do anything special.”
Another player who had faced heavy criticism under Di Matteo’s reign is David Luiz, but Benitez was buoyed by the Brazilian’s performance in midfield against Monterrey and revealed the 25-year-old could be handed a similar role in future matches.
“We knew Monterrey ere good between the lines, they crowd that zone in midfield, so we needed some extra help there,” said Benitez.
“David Luiz played in midfield for this game but it could be an option for the future as well. At Benfica he played many positions, I know him well, and I knew he could do well in this position and help him with his quickness to neutralise Monterrey’s short passes.”
Victory against Monterrey, which was secured by strikes from Juan Mata, Torres and a Darvin Chavez own goal, is Benitez’s third consecutive win and he believes his side’s current form reflects the confidence within the squad.
“When I joined the club we had Man City visiting in three days, and then a derby, it was not easy, while now the players know what to do, they have confidence, and enjoy more playing our football,” he said.
“But we still need to improve, for example I am not happy with the goal we conceded tonight, such things could make a difference in the final.
“Details are important, they make a difference, the team should not concede and keeping concentration and a clean sheet is important, we must do well for all 90 minutes.”
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