Rafael Benitez and Chelsea skipper John Terry denied reports of a bust-up after Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round replay win over Brentford at Stamford Bridge.
Second-half goals from Juan Mata, Oscar, Frank Lampard and Terry set up a fifth-round tie with Middlesbrough but, following the game, manager and captain were both keen to deny talk of a rift.
Terry made just his third start under Benitez following his recovery from a knee injury sustained in November. The defender has been an unused substitute five times but said he is on good terms with the Spaniard.
‘I read those stories in the paper but it is completely lazy journalism. It’s total rubbish,’ said Terry.
‘The manager knows me and I want to play. I have been out for two or three months but the other two [centre-backs] have been doing well. It’s good to have competition.’
Addressing the same issue Benitez, who was reported to have clashed with Terry earlier this month, said: ‘We were surprised today with some comments.
‘It’s totally rubbish. We didn’t have any problem. He was training yesterday, we had normal conversations. Everything was fine. I was really surprised.’
The Blues could face Manchester United at Old Trafford in round six if they overcome Boro and United beat Reading tonight.
Lampard’s goal, his 199th for Chelsea, again raised questions about whether he will be given a new contract.
‘Every time [I am asked] I will give the same answer,’ added Benitez. ‘He’s doing well, he’s scoring goals. Hopefully he can score another 15 this season.
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