EFL Cup

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League Cup | Semi-Finals

Jan 9, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Chelsea
0-2
Swansea Swansea City

Pablo Hernandez keen to dethrone 'King' Rafael Benitez

By Matt Cotton, Reporter | 09 January 2013

Swansea City winger Pablo Hernandez says that former manager Rafael Benitez was a "king" while in charge of Valencia, but plans on beating Chelsea in the Capital One Cup.

Swansea City winger Pablo Hernandez has described Rafael Benitez as "a king" but still plans on beating Chelsea in the Capital One Cup.

Hernandez was in the youth academy at Valencia during the time when Benitez was in charge of the club in 2003, as he went on to win two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup.

However, the Swans meet the Blues in the semi-finals of the Cup on Wednesday night, and the 27-year-old is looking for victory against his old boss.

"Rafa is a king in Valencia and the people love him there because he won three important titles. The club haven't won anything since," Hernandez told The Express. "It has been difficult for Rafa at Chelsea because on the first day people wanted him out. The fans are passionate, but he needs more games.

"In the past, Rafa has been a good coach in La Liga and the Premier League. He won the Champions League for Liverpool. But people at Chelsea are not used to Rafa. It will be two difficult matches against them. They are a good team and the last winners of the Champions League.

"But it's an important game for the club and we can win against Chelsea. We've won at Arsenal and beaten Manchester City and Liverpool at the Liberty Stadium before, so we know we can play well. To play at Wembley in a final would be great."

Hernandez scored when the two sides drew 1-1 at the Liberty Stadium in November.