David Luiz has paid tribute to Rafael Benitez after he guided Chelsea to third place in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League title.
The Spaniard was not a popular figure at Stamford Bridge when he took over as interim manager from Roberto Di Matteo in November, but Luiz believes what he has achieved this season shows that he has been a success.
Benitez guided Chelsea to third place in the Premier League and the fourth European trophy in their history with victory in the Europa League against Benfica.
Under the 53-year-old, Chelsea won 28 of their 48 matches and lost just 10, recording a final-day victory over Everton on Sunday, and Luiz thanked Benitez for everything he had done for the club during the season, insisting the club must maintain his approach next term.
“He was an amazing coach for the team and for me personally,” he told The Sun. “I learnt a lot from him.
“People said bad things about him but not many coaches can do what he does.
“He goes with a title and with us in the Champions League next year. The coach will change but the mentality must be the same.”
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