Benitez endorses Guardiola for Chelsea

Rafael Benitez says he would be happy for Pep Guardiola to take over as Chelsea manager if the London club wins trophies this season.

Benitez was brought in to replace the sacked Roberto Di Matteo last month but has received a frosty reception from the Chelsea faithful, who continue to chant the Italian’s name during matches.

“Guardiola has a fantastic record,” Benitez told BBC Sport.

“If he comes and we’ve won a lot of trophies, I’ll be very pleased.”

“When I decided to come, I knew I was signing a contract for six or seven months so I was not thinking about more after these seven months.”

Benitez, who guided Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2005, believes the disgruntled element of Chelsea supporters will regret their initial displeasure at his appointment.

“I understand the feelings of the fans because of the rivalry between both clubs (Liverpool and Chelsea),” he said.

“After the improvement of the team, the way I will play (and) the style I will have, I think a lot of fans will say ‘maybe we were too hard and we have to give him the chance to bring the confidence back to the team and the fans’.”

Benitez will have his first shot at silverware at the helm of Chelsea when they meet Corinthians in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday.