• Premier League

Benitez set to call on Terry experience

ESPN staff
January 19, 2013
The Battle of Stamford Bridge

Rafael Benitez may be set to risk John Terry in Chelsea's clash with Arsenal on Sunday, saying the defender's leadership qualities are needed to turn around the Blues' winless run at Stamford Bridge.

Terry came off the bench against Stoke last week, but has not started a first-team match since a 1-1 draw with Liverpool last November. Since that time, Chelsea have won just one home game in the Premier League, forcing Benitez to consider allowing the 32-year-old to return to the starting line-up.

"We have some good players. Some of them show more character," Benitez said. "We have a group of players with quality and sometimes we miss these things.

"[Terry's] one of the strong characters we have. To have people with this mentality can help. Hopefully he will be fine. We will see a positive influence, hopefully, for the rest of the season in the team."

Benitez, though, has called for his players to remain calm against the Gunners, and again urged fans to be patient with his team.

"This is a time of transition," Benitez said. "We have players with experience who have to help the new players. And the new players have to realise what the Premier League means and what it means to be playing at Chelsea, competing for trophies here."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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