By Mighty Reds
April 22 2006

Rafa Benitez is hoping todays FA Cup semi final clash with Chelsea will show they are good enough to challenge Chelsea for the title next season. He realises though that with the money available for Jose Mourhino to strengthen his team in the summer it will be hard for any team to compete.

He said:

"We are closer to Chelsea and we need to continue progressing," he said. "Next year I don't know because they will sign some new players.

"But I have confidence that we will be closer next season because you can only play 11 players.

"Now we are thinking about winning the FA Cup and if we could do that, then we will be even closer."


It is no surprise to see Chelsea at the top of the table considering the amount of money they’ve spent.

"It's very simple, they have spent more money than anyone else on players," said Benitez. "Abramovich has done a fantastic job with his team.

"After 50 years they are winning two leagues and that's really good.
Jose Mourinho has done a good job, but for me the owner is the key. All of them are important, but you can't do anything without Abramovich and he started the revolution.

"They have a lot of good players so they must be at the top of the table and they must be in cup finals. When you spend big money it's normal to be at the top of the table and in finals."


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