Benitez banks on Europa League final boost

LONDON (AFP) –

Chelsea’s Fernando Torres (L) and FC Basel’s Geoffroy Serey Die are pictured during their match on May 2, 2013. Chelsea hit back from a goal down in their semi-final second leg against Basel on Thursday to win 3-1 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate.

Interim manager Rafael Benitez said he hoped Chelsea fans would show him some appreciation after he guided the club into the Europa League final for the first time in their history following victory over FC Basel.

The Spaniard has struggled to win over Chelsea supporters ever since replacing Roberto Di Matteo in November, but he will bow out as a winner if his side overcome Benfica in the final in Amsterdam on May 15.

Domestically, Chelsea remain locked in a battle to secure qualification for the Champions League, the competition they won under Di Matteo, but Benitez hopes their exploits in Europe’s second-tier competition will earn his team some respect.

“With all the circumstances and everything that was around at the beginning — the situation with the new signings, the squad being in transition — it was tough, but we’ve done a good job,” he said.

FC Basel defender Kay Voser (2nd L) tries to block Chelsea’s Ramires during their Europa League match on May 2, 2013. Chelsea coach Rafael Benitez hopes their exploits in the Europe League will earn his team some respect.

“We’ve not had much time, having to play two games every week, but we’ve done well and hopefully we can do even better.

“We are professionals in our jobs. Since losing to Swansea (in the League Cup semi-finals), we’ve won 11 of our 13 games at home, with two draws and 11 wins.

“We’re doing our job and hopefully a lot of them (the fans) will appreciate that.”

Chelsea hit back from a goal down in their semi-final second leg against Basel at Stamford Bridge on Thursday to win 3-1 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate.

After Fernando Torres had cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s first-half opener early in the second period, Victor Moses made it 2-1 before David Luiz sealed Chelsea’s place in the final with a magnificent curling shot from 25 yards.

Chelsea’s David Luiz scores the third goal during their Europa League match against FC Basel on May 2, 2013. He sealed Chelsea’s place in the Europa League final with a magnificent curling shot from 25 yards.

It was a goal to match the Brazilian’s superb long-range strike in Chelsea’s recent 3-0 win at Fulham, and Benitez was quick to herald his display.

“I’m really pleased with him,” said the Spaniard, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

“Since I came, I’ve been talking to him and giving him confidence, and he’s been giving me things back. He’s been scoring with his right foot, scoring with his left foot, and he’s been showing how good he is.

“He’s a player with real quality and hopefully he can get even better.”

Twelve months on from their triumph on penalties against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, Chelsea will start as favourites against Benfica at the Amsterdam ArenA in two weeks’ time.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez shouts on the sidelines during his side’s Europa League match against FC Basel on May 2, 2013. He said he hoped Chelsea fans would show him some appreciation after he guided the club into the Europa League final for the first time.

Benitez, though, says Chelsea must be wary of the Portuguese league leaders, who overcame Fenerbahce 3-2 on aggregate in the other semi-final.

“It’s an opportunity for the club, but it will be tough because Benfica are a very, very tough team,” he said.

“But we are there and with our commitment and our quality, we’ll have a chance for sure.”

Chelsea’s focus now switches back to the Premier League, with Sunday’s trip to champions Manchester United followed by a home game with Tottenham Hotspur that could prove pivotal in the contest for a top-four finish.

“It’s important to show this character and keep winning,” said Benitez.

“We always say we have to keep the momentum. I hope we can do it. United will be tough, and if we beat Tottenham it will be crucial for us. They are tough games, but we have quality in the team.”

Basel coach Murat Yakin claimed his players had been caught “ice cold” by Chelsea’s second-half revival, and he backed Benitez’s side to prevail in the final.

Asked if they would start as favourites, Yakin replied: “Absolutely. Chelsea have the team. They’re clever, experienced, and they know how to win things.

“I hope my team has given them a really good preparation so they can go to the final and win it.”