MX23RW : Saturday, November 23 17:57:27| >> :120:4233:4233:

Graeme Le Saux: 'Club World Cup an opportunity for Rafa Benitez'

Le Saux: 'Club World Cup an opportunity for Benitez'
© PA Photos
Graeme Le Saux says that the Club World Cup is an opportunity for Rafael Benitez to win over the Chelsea fans.

Former Chelsea defender Graeme Le Saux has insisted that the Club World Cup is an opportunity for Rafael Benitez to win over the club's fans.

The Spaniard was given a hostile welcoming by many Blues fans when he took over as interim manager from Roberto Di Matteo last month.

However, Le Saux feels that Benitez can win over the supporters, starting by winning the Club World Cup.

"All he would be concerned about now is winning matches. From a practical point of view probably the last thing he wants to be doing is going to the other side of the world and disrupting the domestic season," Le Saux told BBC Sport.

"I think he will see it as an opportunity. In terms of the Premier League they can't afford too many more slip-ups. The gap between themselves and the leaders could be extended by the time they get back and psychologically that has the potential to have an impact.

"But in terms of the first big step in his career with Chelsea, the Club World Cup will be a great starting point. To come back with that achievement is something he can show to the Chelsea fans and any supporters will welcome trophies."

Chelsea take on Mexican side Monterrey in the semi-final of the cup on Thursday.

ID:59033: cacheID:59033:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2213:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Ashley Cole
Read Next:
Le Saux hails Cole
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
7Aston Villa125431919019
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Fulham125341717018
10Brentford125252222017
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!