LONDON: Rafael Benitez said he was focused on the job in hand, rather than worrying about being a stop-gap appointment, after being presented to the media as Chelsea’s new interim manager yesterday.
The former Liverpool coach, 52, is under contract until the end of the current season and replaces Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked on Wednesday after Chelsea lost 3-0 at Juventus in the Champions League.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who has fired seven managers during his nine-year tenure, has reportedly made repeated overtures to former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, but Benitez said the speculation would not distract him.
“I have a very good relationship with Guardiola. He’s a great manager,” said Benitez, who had been out of work since leaving Inter Milan in December 2010.
“What will happen in the future, you never know. We have a massive game at the weekend (against Manchester City) and five trophies to fight for.
“When you analyse why you want to go to a top side, it’s to win trophies. For one and a half years, two years, I was waiting for the right opportunity.
“I will fight from day one, and we will see what happens.”
Guardiola’s appeal to Abramovich is said to stem from the passing philosophy he helped instil at Barcelona, but Benitez rejected suggestions he will be judged on the quality of football that Chelsea produce.
“I’m not sure what he (Abramovich) is looking for in terms of Barcelona-style passing and playing good football,” said Benitez, who admitted he was yet to meet the club’s owner.
“My thinking is that he’ll be happy with the team winning and playing well. I don’t think there’s only one way to play -- whether it’s a passing game, or looking for a long pass.”
Benitez is expected to help Fernando Torres rediscover his best form, having overseen the Spaniard’s development into one of the game’s most feared and prolific strikers during their time together at Liverpool. AFP
