Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has insisted that the club's improvement in form has been down to their tighter defence.

Rafael Benitez was appointed as the club's new manager in November and since his arrival, Chelsea have kept five clean sheets from 10 games.

Cech told reporters: "We were conceding too many goals, playing really open.

"Suddenly, we are defending as a team much better - that is the key. Now we are back to our ways when we are difficult to score against.

"I think we need the whole team to defend. We have really attacking-minded players. Sometimes, we were not making the right choices in terms of defensive transitions and that is what has improved. We are passing more and organising."

It has been reported that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to offer Benitez a permanent deal to remain at Stamford Bridge.