Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is convinced fans will soon begin singing the name of manager Rafa Benitez.

Torres acknowledges the past rivalry with Liverpool is a sore point for Blues fans, but is confident they will warm to Benitez.

Torres, who has scored five goals in his last three games - his best run in almost two years at the club - said: "It is clear that the team have improved, both in defence and attack, and all this bears the stamp of Rafa. I knew he would make a big difference to Chelsea. He works hard - very hard - and soon the fans will accept him as one of them and not just for the results, but by the attitude we will see on the pitch. Now the fans will be happier and will like him.

"They are going to see the Chelsea they expect and the one they want to see. The Liverpool-Chelsea rivalry, with all the fighting that took place, may have created an animosity that is understandable, but it is just a matter of time before everything changes."