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Rafa looks forward to Europa

Benitez: On to next challenge

Benitez: On to next challenge

Rafael Benitez has already shrugged off Chelsea's UEFA Champions League disappointment as the interim boss looks to succeed in the Europa League.

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The Blues exited the competition on Wednesday despite a resounding 6-1 victory over FC Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge.

Due to Juventus' 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk elsewhere on the night, Benitez's side became the first European champions to crash out in the group stages of the following campaign.

Despite the west London outfit's failure, their Spanish mentor isn't sitting on his hands and wallowing in self-pity.

"Can we change the result of the other game? No," he said. "Can we change the situation? No.

"So we have to think about what we can change, which is improving and be ready for the next challenge.

"The game was out of our hands. I said before that we had to do our job and, as a manager, you have to be really pleased with the performance of the team.

"There were 32 attempts, 18 on target, six goals, a lot of clear chances, so you have to think about the positives after this performance.

"You also have to be really disappointed because you cannot progress in the Champions League.

"You ask me if I will take the Europa League seriously; every competition is important for us so we will try to do our best and win if we can."

Having won the UEFA Cup with Valencia in 2004, Benitez has a healthy regard for the continent's second-tier cup tournament.

He added: "The Europa League is not important if you don't win. When you are in the semi-final or the final, everyone wants to win it.

"We know that it is an important competition and we want to go as far as we can and if we can win the competition, we will try to do that."

Posted: 06/12/12 10:35

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