Benitez now has a selection headache up front with Demba Ba challenging Fernando Torres, and many fans will prefer the former to be given the nod to start most games.

"You have a word in English: manager," said Benítez. "The manager has to manage and consider everything, and afterwards he has to decide.

"I talk with my staff, the players, and I have all the feedback and information. Then I make a decision. I consider everything before making a decision.

"I told you about Fernando's stomach problems last week, and about Ba's slight problem, and I was not making excuses. I was telling you something you didn't know, but still people criticise me for the decisions I made despite the fact Demba Ba had a niggle.

"I knew Demba could be injured and it would have been a big risk [to play him more], and that was my decision. I will choose the best players to win games. This is always my job, to decide which players are the best for any game."