Benitez Admits Interest In Chelsea Job

Rafa Benitez has responded to speculation linking him with the vacant managers job at Chelsea and confirmed his interest in taking over at Stamford Bridge, according to Sky Sports News.

Roman Abramovich sacked Roberto Di Matteo as manager on Wednesday morning following Tuesday night’s 3-0 defeat at Juventus, a result that leaves the holders on the brink of elimination from the Champions League.

Sky Sports are reporting that former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is the man being targetted to replace the Italian, with bookmakers also making the Spaniard the red-hot favourite to take over either until the end of the season or on a more long-term deal.

Benitez has now fueled the speculation by confirming he’d be interested in replacing Di Matteo at Stamford Bridge and refused to confirm whether he’s already been in touch with officials at Chelsea. Speaking from Abou Dhabi, where he was speaking at a coaching seminar, Benitez said:

“I have just found out [about Di Matteo]. Obviously Chelsea is a top side and they can compete for trophies so it goes in this category,”

Benitez is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News

He was then asked if he’d spoken to Chelsea already, he continued:

“You ask directly, I cannot answer directly.

“In football a lot of people are talking so we will see what happens in the next few days. I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies and Chelsea is one of these clubs.”

“I have to talk with my agent and see what he has been doing the last couple of days.

“But I am just trying to go to a team that can win. So we will find ways to have a challenge like this.”

Benitez is believed to have come close to taking over from Di Matteo in the summer but pulled out after Abramovich only offered him a one-year deal, but it seems the former Anfield favourite is ready to return to the negotiating table.

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