Football: Terry baffled by his role in Benitezs plans

18 April 2013 14:17

Chelsea captain John Terry admits he is confused by his role in Rafael Benitez's plans after the Blues interim boss refused to guarantee the defender a place in the team to face Liverpool.

Terry has played a significantly reduced role since Benitez replaced Roberto Di Matteo at Stamford Bridge earlier this season and the former England international accepts the situation but would like to know where he stands.

After being left on the bench for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat against Manchester City, Terry was back in the team and scored twice in the Blues' 3-0 win at Fulham on Wednesday.

But immediately after that match, Benitez insists Terry, who has made only three league starts in 2013, could lose his place for Sunday's trip to Anfield.

Benitez had previously claimed he was being cautious with Terry as the 32-year-old was working his way back from a knee injury.

"I don't know where that arose from," Terry said when asked about the reports he couldn't play more than once a week due to the injury.

"I'm fit, I'm training every day and have been for the last three months, so I just want to set the record straight.

"I'm available but, at the same time, if the manager chooses not to pick me and decides to go with the others, there is not a problem because I'm Chelsea through and through and I want nothing more than to get Champions League football.

"If that means me playing, great. If not, I will be the biggest supporter in the dressing room."

Terry acknowledged he did not know where he would stand once fellow centre-back Gary Cahill returned from injury.

"I don't know where that puts me in the pecking order or what," he said.

"All I can do is train hard, work hard and, when I do get a chance, play well.

"Obviously the goals are an added bonus for me.

"If the manager is straight with me and tells me, that's totally fine."

Frank Lampard, like Terry a Chelsea legend, was also left on the bench against City before returning against Fulham.

Both have played in virtually all of Chelsea's Wembley appearances and Terry admitted it was hard to watch from the sidelines as his side lost.

"Obviously, myself and Frank have a good record there, but I don't have a problem with the manager choosing other players in front of me," he added.

"It's down to me to work hard and maybe prove him wrong."

Source: AFP