Benitez tips Terry for management

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has backed club captain John Terry to venture into management once his playing days come to an end.

The Chelsea talisman is now 32 years old and edging towards the end of his playing career, and is seen by many as an eventual boss of the club when he retires.

“It is quite possible that John has the good qualities to become a manager,” Benitez told reporters.

“I have had players in the past who have been big names, but they did not understand the game like him. He likes talking about tactics. He seems as though he understands and with the way he treats the young players and takes care of them.”

Terry made his long-awaited return from injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford in the FA Cup.

Despite his return to the side, the Blues were unable to defeat the League One side at Griffin Park.

Benitez, however, is hoping that Terry’s recovery can bring some fortune back to the Blues and help them push on in the final few months of the season.

“John is a great player and a great leader,” Benitez added.

“Maybe in some games we lacked something like this recently, but John can now be a key player for us for the rest of the season.”