Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez defended his decision to wait until the 82nd minute to bring on Demba Ba in the 2-2 draw against League One side Brentford in the FA Cup.
Ba had only been on the pitch a minute when he played a part in setting up the vital equaliser for Fernando Torres.
But the Blues were woeful until the rested Juan Mata was brought on at half-time and Chelsea fans booed Benitez and questioned his substitutions and tactics throughout.
However, Benitez said he delayed Ba’s introduction because his team were “doing well” after the break.
“I changed Mata at half-time and he made an impact and a big difference,” Benitez added.
“After we were controlling the game and were on top of them, I wanted to give some width and some fresh legs. Still we were in control and so, okay, then we put on Demba Ba.
“You change things sometimes and it is good, but when you are doing well you cannot change too many things.
“But in the end Demba did a great job on the left side and gave us different things.”
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This post was last modified on 28/01/2013
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Torres is a good player it's only that chelsea's kind of play does not favour any striker. goals will not happen even with ba in play. let the two play 2gether since they know what a striker needs. Roman u hve my support.
chelsea fans should not blame beni becos he lack choaching static.roman is d causes of blue down fall. Let him bring back RDM dat win uefa an Fa witing three month. UP RDM.
Benites is just a coach without any hope. I mean dis man is not wat we need, he should go and never think of coaching any other club bcoz he is a failure. Chelsea 4 lyf.
Let's face it, Benitez may get contract extension after all. Only him will put Torres in his plan. Imagine Mourinho at the helm of affair. Do you think Torres will have any chance? No!. It's okey with Roman whetever happen to chelsea as long as his toy, Torres play 80mins and above.
Beni is d worst coach i have ever seen or come across in my life. He dosen't mean well 4 d club, d earlier u sack in d better.
beni has nothing to offer to chelsea,chelsea will play free season if he continues
Useless manager abramovic
D owner of chelsea is d cuse of this problems he is one that fos beni to keep useing torres so lets us stop breming beni one day that chelsea owner wil be d blue boss his wife or galfrnd wil be his assistant
Pls give ba these opporturnity,u have already giving torress enough opporturnity,!!!
hmmm....benitez want permanent deal...will roman give him that? Lets face it now. Roman is unpredictable. Chelsea shall survive this time i pray.