Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez deserves credit for his work at the club, says Blues defender Gary Cahill.
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Ex-Liverpool boss Benitez guided Chelsea to victory in the Europa League and they are virtually assured of a top-four finish in the Premier League.
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Trophy number 10
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The Europa League win with Chelsea means Rafael Benitez has won 10 trophies as a manager:
Valencia: La Liga (2001-02, 2003-04); Uefa Cup (2003-04)
Liverpool: FA Cup (2005-06); FA Community Shield (2006); Uefa Champions League (2004-05); Uefa Super Cup (2005)
Internazionale: Supercoppa Italiana (2010); Fifa Club World Cup (2010)
Chelsea: Uefa Europa League (2012-13)
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But the Spaniard has remained unpopular with a section of Blues fans since replacing Roberto Di Matteo.
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"We're better off in our league position as it stands and we have just won a trophy," said Cahill.
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"You have got to give him credit for what he has done," added the England international.
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Benitez led Chelsea to a 2-1 win against Benfica in the Europa League final at the Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday.
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Only a mathematical miracle will prevent the Blues qualifying for next season's Champions League and victory against Everton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday will clinch third place in the top flight.
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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech agrees with Cahill that Benitez, who took over from Di Matteo in November until the end of the season, deserves praise.
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"Ever since he came, we said we had to improve," said Cech. "He wanted to try and win a trophy and we've done that."
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Benitez also guided the Blues to the Club World Cup final - which they lost to South American champions Corinthians - and the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
If he trully deserves credit then he should be retained at the club. They can't possibly thank him with a sack....