Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino has defended Rafa Benitez after victory over Chelsea.

Pochettino, who has now won three, drawn three and lost three games since replacing Nigel Adkins as Saints manager in January was quick to defend his Chelsea counterpart following the game.

"I have a lot of sympathy [for Benitez's position]," he said.

"I fully recognise the job that he has done.

"For me he is one of the best managers in the world and he has my full respect for what he has achieved in football."