Oscar attitude pleases Benitez

Rafael Benitez welcomes Oscar's dismay at his exclusion from Chelsea's starting line-up in Sunday's Club World Cup final against Corinthians.

Last Updated: 19/12/12 at 07:03 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Chelsea Specials 12/13. Trophy Multiples: FA Cup & League Cup 0/0

Oscar: Praised by Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez

Oscar: Praised by Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez

Oscar will feature in Wednesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final at Leeds but has been used sparingly by interim manager Benitez to date, starting just three of his seven games in charge.

The Brazilian playmaker expressed his disappointment after being selected on the bench against Corinthians, but Benitez insists there is no rift with the player.

"Oscar is fine. He's a very good professional. We don't have any issue with him," he said.

"I try to manage players, especially in his position because we have Eden Hazard and Juan Mata, who can do more or less the same job.

"It's difficult for them but it's good for me because I have different problems. There's are no issues or problems.

"Oscar will have a lot of time on the pitch and I'm sure he'll be a great player for the club.

"Oscar's not happy because he's not playing and that's fantastic. There would be a problem if it was the opposite."

Leeds will be Benitez' eighth game in charge since taking over 25 days ago, a hectic schedule that continues with Christmas fixtures against Aston Villa, Norwich, Everton and QPR.

"We have to win every competition if we can. We have rivalry with Leeds and we have one less competition to win after losing on Sunday," Benitez said.

"We can't just call it another game, it's a very important match for us.

"Christmas time is a crucial period because you can play so many games that will change everything."

Benitez admits he is in daily discussions with technical director Michael Emenalo over potential transfer activity for January.

"Hopefully we have two or three days after this game where we'll have plenty of time to talk about names," he said.

"There's no formal meeting because we can chat every day. Michael is watching the training session and we talk every day - about players and how the team is doing.

"I know what Michael likes and he knows what I like and we come to an agreement."

Chelsea have been stretched by the loss of John Obi Mikel, Gary Cahill and Ramires to suspension and while striker Daniel Sturridge may return from his hamstring injury against Leeds, John Terry is still out with a knee problem.

Bet with SkyBet  Chelsea Specials 12/13. Trophy Multiples: FA Cup & League Cup 0/0

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

T

rue. Stoke, Sunderland and Swindon also showed no interest in him.

udangapi
Carra puzzled by no interest

H

ang on, why are journalists asking a manager who has never won a major honour for his opinion on a manger who has won two European Cups and league titles in four different countries?

darcy_171
Sam backs 'mature' Mourinho

Footer 365

Cottagers set to bag Boateng

Fulham are reportedly set to complete the signing of Ghana international Derek Boateng, handing him a two-year contract.

Serie A: No Napoli offer for Rafael Benitez but Edin Dzeko is a target

Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis has denied that he has held talks with Rafa Benitez, but admits he wants Edin Dzeko.

Klopp's tears over Kagawa fate

Jurgen Klopp is 'heartbroken' at Shinji Kagawa's bit-part role at Manchester United and says the midfielder is one of the world's best players.

Mail Box

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved