Amsterdam, May 16 (IANS) Chelsea coach Rafael Benitez was delighted with the 2-1 victory of his team over Benfica in the final of the Europa League here Wednesday night.
Benitez was criticised a lot after succeeding Roberto Di Matteo in November last year at Chelsea, but the Europa win here confirmed his reputation, reports Xinhua.
“Yes, it was a special night, but it was a special night for everyone,” he told at the press conference. “I am really proud and pleased.”
The trophy cabinet of Benitez already contained two Spanish championships and one UEFA Cup with Valencia, the Champions League, the European Super Cup, the FA Cup and the Community Shield with Liverpool and the Italian Super Cup and the Club World Cup with Internazionale.
Winning the Europa League with Chelsea was not his easiest job. Benfica was the better team for most of the match.
“Benfica has a great team and they did a great job,” the Chelsea coach admitted. “Maybe we were tired of playing too many games. Maybe it was also our game plan to let them play pressing. We knew they have defensive weaknesses and we tried to take advantage from that.”
Benitez was pleased to see that, although he is leaving the club, the players put so much effort in winning the Europa League. “I could see the commitment of the players. They really wanted to win.”
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