Juan Mata backs new Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez

Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata believes that new manager Rafael Benitez has the right qualities to turn the West London side's slump around.

The former Liverpool boss has not been given a warm welcome by all Chelsea supporters and one fan was seen holding a 'Benitez out' banner outside the club's Cobham training ground.

"Rafa Benitez is a great coach," Mata told the Daily Mail. "He's got lots of experience and won a lot of trophies with Liverpool, taking them to a very high level. He knows the Premier League too."

Benitez, who was appointed as the club's new manager just hours after Roberto Di Matteo was sacked, will meet the Blues team for the first time today.