Mata welcomes 'great coach' Benitez to the Bridge

Juan Mata has hailed Rafael Benitez as “a great coach” following his fellow Spaniard’s appointment as Chelsea manager.

Mata yesterday became the first Blues player to react publicly to the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo and he has now led the way in responding to the controversial decision to hand former Liverpool boss Benitez the reins until the end of the season.