Benitez defiant despite Chelsea defeat

Rafael Benitez insists he can lead Chelsea to a top-three finish despite their latest setback.

Their patchy form under the interim manager continued with a 3-2 defeat at Newcastle, where they once again surrendered a lead.

There has been speculation about whether Benitez will stay at the helm until the end of the season, let alone beyond, but he remains adamant the Blues are making progress under him.

“The character the players showed in the second half shows something is right,” he said following the loss at St James’ Park.

“We had a good reaction that was positive and next week we have players that are coming back. Hopefully we can play well and win and carry on.

“Every single game we have had good chances and we have played good football in the majority of them.

“The team has good team spirit and I am confident we will finish in the top three.”

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