Thursday, November 22, 2012

Rafael Benitez replaces Roberto Di Matteo as Chelsea manager







Chelsea have appointed former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez as interim manager until the end of the season.
He replaces Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked on Wednesday following a 3-0 Champions League defeat by Juventus.
Benitez, 52, becomes Chelsea's ninth manager since Roman Abramovich became owner in 2003.
But his short-term appointment could pave the way for Abramovich to make a summer approach for ex-Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.
A Chelsea statement said: "The owner and the board believe that in Benitez we have a manager with significant experience at the highest level of football, who can come in and immediately help deliver our objectives.
"The two-time Uefa Manager of the Year comes with outstanding pedigree."
Benitez joined Liverpool from Valencia in 2004 and won the Champions League in 2005, as well as reaching the final in 2007, before leaving Anfield by mutual consent in 2010.
He has been out of work since he was sacked by Inter Milan in December 2010. He spent just six months in charge of the Serie A club despite winning two titles - the Club World Cup and Italian Super Cup.
The Spaniard is due to meet the Chelsea players at the club's training ground in Cobham on Thursday. His first match in charge is Sunday's visit of Premier League leaders and reigning champions Manchester City.
Before his appointment was confirmed, Benitez admitted his interest in the job to Abu Dhabi-based website Sport 360.
"I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies and Chelsea is one of these clubs," he said.
When he was asked about the prospect of managing on a short-term basis, he added: "I am just trying to go to a team that can win. So we will find ways to have a challenge like this."
Rafeal Benitez

No comments:

Post a Comment