Chelsea 3-1 Monterrey
Coach Rafa Benitez reacts:
‘It was good play – a high tempo, great goals and great movement, and a lot of positives for us against a team that are well-organised,’ praised Benitez before adding: ‘I am not happy with the goal we conceded because these little things can make a difference in a final.
The main idea for playing David Luiz there was for this game because Monterrey are good between the lines where they like to play little penetrating passes. They have the left winger going inside a lot so we wanted more players in this area.
‘I know David Luiz well when he was at Benfica and played centre-back, right-back, left-back or defensive midfield and he can regain a lot of balls and at the same time he can play the ball. He can win it in the air and has fresh legs.
‘It was mainly for this game but it is always an option for the future.’
On Eden Hazard‘s influential performance…
‘We know he is a good player and can make the difference and I am pleased because he is working hard. He is an offensive player but he is also working hard defensively and helping the team when we are not in possession. He has all the potential and he is now a great player but he can be even better in the future.’
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final…
‘We saw our level today and now we will see how we will do against Corinthians. They were a compact team in their semi-final, they work hard and have the quality of the Brazilians. They will be tough. We have to be aware and we will see but we are ready and we can do it.’
On the travelling support in the stadium…
‘I was really pleased to see 1000 of our fans, it is important when you know what it means to come here from England. It is good and I am pleased for them. Hopefully we can win the title for our fans.’
