Premier League News

Rafa won't blame Ivanovic

Ivanovic (R): Costly errors

Ivanovic (R): Costly errors

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez says he lays no blame at the feet of Branislav Ivanovic following their Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Swansea.

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The Serbia international was at fault for both goals as the Blues went down 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last week, leaving their hopes of making the final hanging by a thread.

However, Benitez says he can easily forgive a player for making mistakes, and that only failing to follow tactical instructions will warrant the hair-dryer treatment.

"The first thing I did after the game last week was tell him that I am not worried about a player making a mistake," said Benitez, quoted in the Daily Mirror.

"I am only worried about a player not trying to do things in the way we want to do things. But Branislav is a fantastic player.

"He knew he had made individual mistakes, but at the same time he was trying to do his best and that's fine.

"Branislav was really disappointed, as he's quite emotional. When he makes mistakes they affect him maybe too much.

"But I told him, 'I'm not blaming anybody for a mistake - but I will blame you if you don't do something we've been practising in a training session'.

"He said 'sorry' to the other players, but when you try to do your best and make a mistake you don't need to.

"It just shows he's a great person and pro. He's someone who has passion and I have no hesitation picking him."

Posted: 15/01/13 09:42

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