Roberto Mancini: 'Rafael Benitez criticism undeserved'

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini feels that the criticism Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has faced this season has been undeserved.

Under Benitez, the Blues have reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the Europa League and also currently sit in the top four of the Premier League.

Mancini told reporters: "I think that Rafa is a good manager. He doesn't deserve all the bad things that he has there. He has worked hard, worked well for Chelsea.

"But football is strange. He is one of the best managers and Chelsea are one of the best teams. They won the Champions League last season.

"I think Rafa knows us well and we know Chelsea well. We know the players but tactics will play a big part."

City and Chelsea face off later today in the last four of the FA Cup at Wembley.