Rafael Benitez – Chesleas Manager
Rafael Benitez says he is proud of his spell at Chelsea after guiding the Blues to victory in the Europa League.
The former Liverpool manager has remained unpopular with a section of the club’s fans since replacing Roberto Di Matteo in November.
But Benitez has taken them to Champions League qualification and a 2-1 win over Benfica in the Europa League final at the Amsterdam Arena.
“It is something you have got to be proud of as a manager,” Benitez said.
After taking a second-half lead through Fernando Torres, Chelsea were pegged back by Oscar Cardozo’s penalty before Branislav Ivanovic headed the winner in added time.
Chelsea were forced to absorb a lot of pressure, particularly in the first half when the Portuguese side were on top, but could not convert possession and chances into goals.
“It was very tough,” Benitez admitted. “We knew Benfica were a good team, with their pushing and pressing.
“After half-time the reaction of the team was pretty good and that was the difference.”
Benitez, who also guided the Blues to the Club World Cup final – in which they lost to South American champions Corinthians – and the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup, highlighted his side’s achievements.
“We tried to finish in the top three and got to two finals, winning one of them, and two semi-finals,” he said.
“To be here with a shorter squad, young players, a transitional period and with all the problems we have had, it’s good.
“If people analyse the circumstances they will realise it is not an easy job and still we are lifting a trophy.”
Benitez will take charge of Chelsea for the final time when they face Everton on Sunday in the 69th match of their season.
The Blues are assured of Champions League qualification for next season, barring a mathematical miracle, and will finish third if they beat David Moyes’s team at Stamford Bridge.
Rafa Benitez smiles as he lifts the Europa League trophy in Amsterdam
Benitez, who won the Uefa Cup with Valencia in 2004 and the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, hopes that fans who have struggled to accept him will recognise his side’s achievements.
“Everyone has their own opinions but I have received a lot of messages from Chelsea fans who see we are working hard and doing a good job,” said the 53-year-old.
“They say we have to carry on and not listen to the other people, so that’s the main thing for me – concentrating on my job.
“If some people are happy then fine. For some people who are not as happy then that’s up to them.”
Source: BBC
