Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that the only way for him to stop receiving criticism from the supporters is by winning matches.

The Spaniard was criticised for the Blues' 2-0 Capital One Cup defeat to Swansea City last week, with fans infuriated by his explanation that injuries were to blame for the poor form of Fernando Torres and Demba Ba.

However, Benitez is adamant that he was not making excuses for the loss.

"I was surprised the other day when I spoke about Fernando's problems with his stomach [and that] we couldn't play Demba Ba because he had a niggle," said Benitez. "Afterwards it was said I was making excuses, but I wasn't making excuses.

"I am still being criticised for making the decision to play Fernando Torres instead of Demba Ba, who was a big risk if he got injured. If you know Demba Ba could be injured, it is my job as manager to make this decision. He scored two against Southampton [in the FA Cup] but couldn't play the next game against Swansea because of a niggle.

"If we can continue winning games, it's not a case of I can't win."

Chelsea host Southampton in the Premier League on Wednesday night.