New Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez played it cool over the furore created by his appointment, after the former Liverpool man had made several anti-Chelsea comments during his time at Anfield.

Benitez is not exactly one of the most popular figures at Stamford Bridge, with the 52-year-old enjoying a tumultuous relationship with Chelsea during his spell with Liverpool several seasons ago, including saying he would "never" take a job at Chelsea prior to the Champions League semi-final in 2007.

"I don't remember some of the comments," Benitez told reporters during his first press conference after being named new Blues manager. "But if I said this or that you have to analyze the context.

"We were playing against Chelsea, a top side, in the semi-finals of the Champions League. If I'm a fan, I'd like to see my manager fighting for my team, my club, and doing almost everything.

"So I don't think it's a lack of respect for the Chelsea fans. It's more a manager defending his team. I'm sure the fans here would like to see me doing the same now that I am here, defending their club."

It is understood many of the Chelsea fans will voice their displeasure during Sunday's game against English Premier League champions Manchester City, but Benitez is convinced he can win the fans over. "The fans want a top manager who can win trophies," he said. "We have something in common. I want to win every single game.

"I'm sure they will be happy with a manager with this passion for the game, and a manager who will do everything he can to win games.

"I know it's not easy in the beginning. So people can have doubts. But, in the end, I think they will be pleased.

"If I do well and win trophies, I'd be really happy and then we will see (whether I will stay beyond this season)."

Benitez said he is convinced he can get the best out of the Chelsea players, particularly Fernando Torres.

"Today (Thursday) I spoke to the players and everything was fine -- the intensity was there and I spoke to them about ideas and I saw no problems," Benitez added.

"I know everybody will be talking about Fernando Torres and today I was talking with him like I was talking with the other players and his attitude was good.

"Everybody has been talking about he was not doing well and I was the same because I was watching games and his attitude was really poor, and today it was the same as all the others.

"The players have trained really well and I am sure that with this attitude, they will improve and I think that with the players and staff together, we can win important things for the club."