Rafa Benitez and John Terry: Both men have denied reports of strained relationship
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Rafa Benitez has again been forced to deny reports of a row with John Terry.
Rumours of a training-ground exchange between Chelsea's caretaker manager and his senior players appeared in the national press less than 24 hours after a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City.
Terry was on the bench at the Etihad, and the captain's lack of playing time since returning from a knee injury last month has led to claims of a strained relationship with Benitez.
Both men rubbished those reports earlier this month, and Benitez continues to insist there is a "really good atmosphere" in the dressing room.
"I can understand the frustration of Terry, an important player for us who's trying to help and push because he wants to win, but he has been injured for 16 weeks and has had problems with his knee."
Rafa Benitez Quotes of the week
He said: "This was a normal meeting between players and technical staff, which happens after every game. It was normal talk, nothing else. You show your disappointment, that is normal.
"I can understand the frustration of Terry, an important player for us who's trying to help and push because he wants to win, but he has been injured for 16 weeks and has had problems with his knee.
"He's missed some training sessions. So we are managing him. He wants to win, but we have to manage our players.
"It was very brief exchange of ideas, and that is it, nothing else. It is just a team talk after a defeat. We had a meeting on the training pitch with my players and technical staff, which is part of our business."
Asked about his relationship with the Chelsea players, Benitez said: "It is fantastic. I have no problem."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8525573/Rafa-Benitez-No-problem-with-John-Terry-or-the-other-Chelsea-players