Juan Mata has welcomed Chelsea appointing Rafa Benitez as new manager.

The Spanish playmaker was the first member of the squad to publicly thank "legend" Roberto Di Matteo after his sacking, and he is now the first to welcome Benitez.

"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."

Mata also backs Torres to return to the sort of form that saw him arrive at Stamford Bridge with a £50million price tag.

"I have total faith in Fernando Torres. He will score goals. He is a great striker and a great professional."