The Blues boss turned on his side after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at
West Ham — and is now ready to rush back the injured John Terry and
Frank Lampard.
Benitez, who was again booed by Blues fans, said: “Normally when
you lose, you are not happy — but I was angry. We did not manage
their physical game, the long balls, the second balls, the
corners.
“We gave them too many options to play their game and we could
not be comfortable in possession.
“That is when you have to show character and quality — and we
did NOT do that.
“Character and leadership is always necessary in a team.
“Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea team had a lot of character but it is a
different time now.”
The European champions face two vital games this week — against
Danish minnows Nordsjaelland in the Champions League and then
struggling Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.
They must beat the Danes — and hope Juventus lose — to make the
last 16 of the Champions League.
Both knee injury victim Terry and Lamps, who has a calf problem,
could return to face the Black Cats, with Benitez admitting he is
desperate for their leadership qualities.
He said: “Terry will train part of the session on Monday so,
hopefully, will be close, although with the knee you never know.
Frank will train on Monday as well. Sunderland? We will see.
“I will talk with them and then the doctor afterwards.
“Normally I wouldn’t play them if it was not necessary but a lot
of players can play with problems. It depends on the risk.
“But character and leadership are necessary in a team.”
Rafa admitted that confidence is low throughout the team. He
said: “We have young players in their first year in the Premier
League.
“They have talent and quality but you still have to show that on
the pitch.
“If you cannot cope with the physical demands of the game, you
cannot show your quality so we have to give them confidence.
“I’ve not had too much time in training every day but we will
try to adjust things.
“They are experienced players, they’ve won the Champions League
and a lot of trophies but they have to show that character.
“And they need confidence to do that.
“Some players might show character but if one or two are not at
that level, the whole team suffers.
“That is what happened in the second half at West Ham.”
Benitez insisted he had not bitten off more than he could chew
at Stamford Bridge. He said: “I knew it was a challenge. If we had
beaten Fulham, when we had control, and West Ham, everything would
be different and I am confident things will change.
“I just came to do my job and I am sure that the team is good
enough to win things. We have to win games and then everyone will
be happier.”
Juan Mata, who scored the opener at Upton Park, said: “In the
last few weeks we’ve been dropping down and losing points and we
need to change that. It’s important that we improve.”
