Beaten Benitez defends Torres

10 January 2013 02:11

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez refused to criticise Fernando Torres following his team's 2-0 defeat to Swansea City in the League Cup.

Goals from Michu and Danny Graham saw visitors Swansea bag an upset 2-0 win in the first leg of the semi-final tie between the clubs at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres had another poor match in a blue shirt, and the home supporters made no attempt to disguise their unhappiness with the misfiring forward.

Interim manager Benitez defended his out-of-form countryman, and insisted the scoreline was not an accurate reflection of Chelsea's performance.

"I don't think we can talk about one player," Benitez said.

"We had a lot of chances, and could have scored two or three in the first half, one or two in the second half. We made two mistakes and paid for them. This is the reality.

"The team was attacking, playing possession and controlling against a good team who were defending."

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup praised another milestone win for his high-flying team, but knows there is plenty of work left to do if the Welsh side are to secure their first appearance in a major final.

"I think we had some historic results already this season, winning at Anfield and at the Emirates (Stadium), but of course winning an away game here, (against the) European champions from last season is obviously something very special," Laudrup said.

"I think it was a marvellous fight. We are a team trying to play, but we know obviously when we go and play the European champions away we know we have to defend much more than we're used to.

"To be honest I'm delighted with the result, I would lie if I said otherwise, but there's still a mountain to climb."