Benitez denies bust-up with Terry

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Rafael Benitez has strongly denied reports of a rift with John Terry.

It was suggested that Terry had fallen out with the interim manager, who has made it clear he expects him to fight for his place in the Chelsea side.

But Benitez said: “I was surprised by some comments in newspapers. It is totally rubbish. Everything is fine and I am really surprised and disappointed [by the reports].

“John was fine. He has played and been in two training sessions. But I still think him, [David] Luiz, [Gary] Cahill and [Branislav] Ivanovic have to compete for places.”

Terry returned to the starting line-up for the FA Cup fourth-round replay against Brentford and scored the Blues’ fourth goal.

Their 4-0 win was a boost following a difficult spell under Benitez and means they will visit Middlesbrough in the next round.

“We knew Brentford worked hard and to keep that intensity in the second half against a team like Chelsea would be difficult,” said Benitez.

“We knew scoring the first goal would make a difference, as they would then be more open and we would have more space.

“I am pleased to score four goals and create chances. I know the priority is to be in the top four and if we progress in the cup then that’s even better.”

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