Chelsea need three points this weekend to secure Champions League next season.
Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez is looking ahead to Saturday’s game with Aston Villa knowing that three points would secure them Champions League football next season.
The Blues twice squandered the lead in their 2-2 draw with rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge last night after goals from Oscar and Ramires put them in the driving seat.
And Benitez admitted they should have defended better and taken their opportunities to kill the game.
“It was a good game, good for the fans but not for us because we were in control and we didn’t win,” he said.
“We had the chances on counter-attack to score the third goal and finish the game.
“We scored the first one and then we gave them the opportunity to counter, got the second and after it was the same – three or four opportunities to kill the game and we didn’t do it.”
Benitez added that tired legs played their part as Chelsea have played an astonishing 66 games so far this season.
He said he will have to manage his squad ahead of Saturday’s game and next Wednesday’s Europa League final against Benfica.
“We have to think about winning the next game and being ready for the final,” he said.
“We have to manage the squad, manage the players and find the balance.”
The Spaniard also found time to wish old foe Sir Alex Ferguson well, who yesterday announced his retirement after 27 years with Manchester United.
Benitez said: “I like to challenge and compete against him but now that he’s retired I wish him health and hopefully he can enjoy his retirement.”
Photo courtesy of Rept0n1x via Wiki Commons, with thanks.
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