The Chelsea interim manager, Rafael Benítez, has played down reports of a row with his players insisting it was business as usual ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Middlesbrough.

Reports have emerged of a heated exchange between Benítez and the squad in the wake of their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester City. However, the Spaniard maintained there were no issues with any of his senior players as they look to secure a positive end to the season.

"This was a normal meeting between players and technical staff, which happens after every game," Benítez said. "It was normal talk, nothing else. You show your disappointment, that is normal.

"It was very brief exchange of ideas and that is it, nothing else. It is just a team talk after a defeat. We had a meeting on the pitch with my players and technical staff, which is part of our business. Now we have to move on and start thinking about Middlesbrough."

Gary Cahill and César Azpilicueta are both set to miss the FA Cup match though injury which means John Terry is likely to come into the team. The club captain is thought to be upset over his lack of first-team opportunities of late and Benítez said: "I can understand the frustrations of Terry, he is an important player for us and has been injured with his knee."

Asked about his relationship with the Chelsea players, the manager said: "It is fantastic. I have no problem."