Rafael Benítez said he was “disappointed” by media reports claiming that he had fallen out with John Terry after Chelsea brushed aside Brentford to reach the FA Cup sixth round.
After a goalless first half at Stamford Bridge, Juan Mata netted soon after the break before Oscar, Frank Lampard and Terry fired the Blues to victory to set up a meeting with Middlesbrough in the last eight.
Benítez was reported to have told Terry that the Chelsea captain was no longer guaranteed a starting spot in his side but the Spaniard moved to rubbish claims of a rift between the pair after Sunday’s win at Stamford Bridge.
“We were surprised today about some comments in some newspapers that were totally rubbish,” said the Chelsea interim boss.
“We didn’t have any problems, we were just talking about football with the team. Terry was training yesterday and we had normal conversations and everything was fine. I was really surprised and disappointed [about the stories].
“Terry knows the main thing is the team winning and if he can play, it is much better. He is positive.”
The Chelsea boss praised Brentford for a battling first-half display in west London and singled out Juan Mata and Demba Ba for special praise.
He added: “Brentford were working very hard in the first half and to keep this intensity in the second half against a team like Chelsea would be very difficult for them.
“Mata is a very important player for us but I am also very pleased with Oscar and the rest of the team.
“Demba Ba did a great job in keeping the centre-backs busy and creating space for the players in the second line. We have good players and if they can find each other they can make the difference. Mata is sometimes the link between them.”