Chelsea fullback Cesar Azpilicueta insists the players are responding to Rafa Benitez's tactics.

Chelsea have struggled for positive results in recent weeks, including drawing at npower League OneBrentford, resulting in this week's replay.

Azpilicueta, though, is confident Benitez's methods are working.

"The first months I was here we had Roberto [Di Matteo] with us and now Rafa came here and we are working very hard with him," added Azpilicueta, who won his first cap for Spain last week.

"We are trying to do the things that he asks and I think that we are playing well and doing the right things.

"When we have lost we have done a good game but when you make mistakes you pay.

"When you don't win it is difficult but hopefully we now recover the smile that is important for the team and for the future."