Benitez eyes run on United after humbling of Stoke
Although fans are still not won over, Chelsea boss claims harmony has broken out in his side and they are ready to mount a serious challenge
Rafael Benitez has called on Chelsea to assemble a winning run and prove to the doubters everything is going well at the club after his side swept past Stoke City 4-0.
Blues supporters are still not onside with the Spaniard, who replaced Roberto di Matteo as manager in November, and he felt the heat again at Stamford Bridge last Wednesday when they lost to Swansea in their League Cup semi-final first leg.
However, they bounced back in style on Saturday to end Stoke's 11-month unbeaten home record thanks to two own goals from Jonathan Walters, a Frank Lampard penalty, and a stunning strike from Eden Hazard.
Now Benitez wants his side to put a run together and see if they can close the gap that currently separates them from Premier League leaders Manchester United.
"You have to realise, and it is difficult if you are not watching the training, the team is doing well," he said. "The players are happy. The players are training well and try to perform.
"The atmosphere inside [the club] is great. We cannot control what is going on outside the pitch. We will try to do our best on the pitch and hopefully it will be easier.