Rafael Benitez pleased with Chelsea improvement

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has said that he is pleased with his side's progress.

The Blues are currently third in the Premier League table with 35 points from 18 matches, just four points behind second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand.

"I am happy watching the players train and work so hard, and winning," the Spaniard told reporters. "After Japan winning [three] games in a row and showing character, I am really happy and they are responding really well.

"To be fair I am more adapting myself to them, so I know what I want and what we are trying to achieve but the main thing is the feedback from them.

"We listen to them and adjust things in the way we want but give them some freedom and we have a good balance. They are keen to learn and that's the main thing as a manager."

Chelsea will take on Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.