Benitez hails Ba’s professionalism after Newcastle boss slams representatives

By Harry Kemble Friday, January 4, 2013
6.06 PM

Demba Ba is a “good professional” despite his former manager Alan Pardew’s comments about the player’s representatives, according to Rafa Benitez.

Newcastle boss Pardew issued concerns last week about the Senegalese player’s representatives and whether they had the best interests for their employer but sent the striker to Stamford Bridge with his blessing.

And Chelsea’s interim boss feels that the club have signed an honest professional who will work hard for the Blues.

“No, I think he is a good professional that is the information that we had,” said the 52-year-old. “I had a good conversation with him this morning in training about what I was expecting from him. He was ok with that.”

“I think professional football is quite difficult with loyalties because the players and the managers both move around.

The former Liverpool manager went on to highlight his new charge’s strengths on the pitch.

Ba, 27, has been in prolific form for Newcastle so far notching 13 goals – scoring with both feet and using his head to good effect.

“He is a player that can score goals, has good movements and is good in the year so for a striker he is everything that you are looking for,” added Benitez.