Benitez CV set for boost
Despite howls of derision from a large proportion of Chelsea
fans on Rafa Benitez’s appointment as ‘interim’ manager in November, the Blues
stand on the cusp of another European trophy. Standing between them and a place
in the final are Swiss side Basel, whom Chelsea beat 2-1 in the first leg at
St. Jakob-Park last week.
Chelsea controlled the first encounter with a professional
and compact approach, but it almost backfired due to a bout of appalling
officiating allowing Basel to draw level at 1-1 with a penalty kick, before
last season’s European Champions League winners struck a late winner through
David Luiz.
The Stamford Bridge second leg now looks a more straightforward
task for a side that dropped out of the Champions League at the group stage in
a frankly poor attempt to retain the trophy. That disappointing exit was almost
confirmed at the time Benitez took charge, but he has since managed to instil a
level of organisation and no little confidence in his players since taking the
reins.
Basel are still a threat and will give Chelsea plenty to think
about as they search for a way back into the semi-final tie, with the carat of
a finale against either Fenerbahce or Benfica at the Amsterdam ArenA awaiting
the victors.
The likes of Philipp Degen, Stocker and Streller provided
plenty of evidence of their ability in the first meeting and they’ll be looking
to attack and put the home defence under as much pressure as they can. It will
not go unnoticed to Benitez and his staff that Spurs fell by the wayside against
the Swiss in the last round, proving beyond doubt that Chelsea have a tough
task on their hands this evening.
Against all odds, the former Liverpool and Valencia boss
Benitez has put his temporary charges in a great position to qualify for the 2013/14
Champions League, sitting in third a point ahead of Arsenal and three clear of
Spurs. Players such as Juan Mata,
Lampard, Hazard and David Luiz have all flourished under the Spaniard’s
leadership in spite of several off-field issues surrounding his arrival; it
appears that Rafa will only come out of this with credit.
If he should lead Chelsea to the top four in the Premier League
come the league season’s end, perhaps alongside the Europa League trophy, his
already impressive CV will be updated with a highly commendable achievement to
add to the Spanish League (twice), UEFA Cup, Champions League and FA Cup that
he has won during a glittering coaching career to date.
He may not be completely unscathed by the experience, but
Rafa’s stint in west London will have done him much more good than harm.
Twitter: @davewh1980
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