Defence needs immediate attention: Benitez

Chelsea manager disappointed with 2-2 draw with Southampton.

LONDON: Rafael Benitez blamed Chelsea’s defensive problems for their failure to beat struggling Southampton and admitted skipper John Terry remains a major doubt for Sunday’s clash with Arsenal.

Chelsea allowed a two-goal first half lead to slip as visitors Southampton battled back for a 2-2 draw that left the European champions 13 points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester United and all but extinguished their domestic title hopes this season.

“We cannot be happy drawing at home,” said Benitez. “We have to defend as a team, as a unit, a bit better. It’s something we have to improve. It’s a question of experience. I’m not angry, I’m disappointed. We know the problems we have when the other team are well organised. We have to sustain attacks, keep the ball, and that’s not something we did on Wednesday.”



The interim manager admitted the hostile atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was beginning to affect his players.

Terry’s return may raise team morale

The return of Terry would provide Chelsea with a major lift, particularly after the home supporters had again voiced their frustration. But the centre-back, who was on the bench against Southampton, is not yet fully recovered from a knee problem.

“He’s not fit enough to play 90 minutes,” said Benitez. “We’ll see how he trains. It will be difficult. He needs games and minutes, but at the right time. To change the player with a player with no match fitness would be a risk. I will try not to take a risk. I will try and do my best and make the right team selection.”

Wednesday’s draw came on the same day as former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s long-time target for the manager’s job at Stamford Bridge, joined German giants Bayern Munich — the team the Blues beat in last season’s Champions League final.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2013.