Chelsea Not Distracted By United Clash – Benitez

Chelsea Not Distracted By United Clash – Benitez

Chelsea are due to play Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the Steaua match, manager Benitez stated that the Bucharest game was the most important at that moment, refusing to think further about Sunday’s game.

“We will try to progress in every competition and the next game is the most important game,” Benitez said.

“Now we are here, to play in the Europa League, we will try to win.

“We know that all the competitions are important and if we can finish in the top four, everybody will be happy.

“After we will think about United, but the main thing for us is to progress in this competition.

“As a manager you have to think about both (matches), but the priority is this one.”

Chelsea find themselves in unfamiliar territory – appearing in the Europa League for the first time and they now face a 1-0 deficit as they prepare for the 2nd leg against  Steaua. This weekend is a crucial one for Chelsea, as they are trying to keep their defense of the FA Cup alive.

There is much media hype regarding the much anticipated clash against United, as Chelsea will be facing a wounded United team, after their harsh exit from the Champions League, following the controversial 2-1 second leg loss at Old Trafford against Real Madrid.

Chelsea will be looking to take advantage of a deflated United side, and inflict more misery on the Red Devils on Sunday, but at the same time they will also be wary of a potential United reaction, since we simply do not know how will Sir Alex Ferguson’s men respond following their European heartbreak.

Squad rotation is a key part of how the Spanish manager works and he spoke about the busy schedule facing the team, saying, “That is the way of a top side when you play in so many competitions – you have to manage your squad. We have a good group of players and we can choose one or another one.”

“If we do it properly, I don’t think fatigue will be a problem.”

It remains to be seen if Benitez can get the balance right and deliver some silverware this season.