Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has heaped praise on manager Rafa Benitez.

Ivanovic scored in last night's Europa League final win over Benfica.

The Serb told the London Evening Standard before the triumph: "It is not easy to take over a club like Chelsea in the middle of the season. As players we're used to it and ready because it is a normal situation here (Ivanovic has played for seven managers since joining in January 2008).

"If we win the trophy, of course, you have to say he has done a good job. But let's do it first. For us it's a huge game. We are professional and have to be like that, to stay focussed from the first day until the last day. We're thinking about pushing ourselves and putting us in a good position for next year."