Benitez denies rumours of Blues rift

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has moved to dismiss suggestions of a rift between him and the club’s senior players.

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has moved to dismiss suggestions of a rift between him and the club’s senior players.

The Spaniard has overseen a poor run of results since taking over the reins on an interim basis, and has reportedly had his training methods questioned by club captain John Terry in recent weeks.

“(The relationship is) fantastic. They are training really well,” he said.

“The atmosphere is really good inside. They are a good group of players, working hard and keen to learn.

“I talk with them every day and they know what we are trying to do every game.

“Sometimes we do better or worse, but we are scoring more goals and conceding less than before.

“I can guarantee the players know what we are trying to do and they believe in what we are trying to do, 100 percent. The players are fully behind our ideas.

“It was a normal meeting between players and staff; you see it around the world, after every game, you exchange your opinions.

“I can understand Terry’s frustration because he has been injured for 16 weeks, but we are managing him. It was a brief exchange of ideas. That is it.”

The 52-year-old maintained that his charges are well aware of the need to perform as they try to secure FA Cup glory and a place in next season’s Champions League.

“They are clever enough and realise they will be here, with long contracts,” he said.

“They have to perform and be ready if they want to stay at the maximum level.”