Rafael Benitez frustrated after Chelsea concede late goal
Monterrey scored a consolation in injury time
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rafael Benitez today told his Chelsea players there was still plenty of room for improvement after they made it three wins in a row by beating Monterrey to reach the Club World Cup final.
Interim manager Benitez was pleased with his side's jet-lag defying 3-1 semi-final win in Yokohama but pulled them up on the late slackness that saw them fail to keep a clean sheet.
Benitez said: "When I talk about a winning mentality, always I talk about little details making the difference.
"The team has to think about winning, winning in style and not conceding because the goalkeeper likes clean sheets.
"They have to keep their concentration right to the end of the 90 minutes. That's what they need to do."
Benitez warned a repeat could cost Chelsea dearly in Sunday's final against South American champions Corinthians.
The Spaniard suffered defeat to Sao Paulo while in charge of Liverpool seven years ago in a game his side had dominated.
Chelsea wasted several first-half opportunities today, leading only 1-0 through Juan Mata.
"You have to take your chances," said Benitez, who watched his players produce a three-minute second-half blitz to kill the contest through Fernando Torres and a Darvin Chavez own goal before Aldo de Nigris' stoppage-time consolation.
Three matches without a win have now been followed by a hat-trick of victories by the man who still could not escape the ire of Chelsea fans, despite being so far from home.
"Now the team knows what we want to do," he said.
"They have more confidence and are enjoying their football a bit. We still need more time to keep improving."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments