Benitez open to offers in England

Chelsea’s interim manager Rafael Benitez says he will entertain offers from another “top side” in England at the end of the season.

The Spaniard took over at Chelsea on a temporary basis following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo in November and is not expected to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond 2012/13.

Speaking ahead of his team’s Europa League quarter-final against Rubin Kazan on Thursday, Benitez indicated he would be happy to stay in the English Premier League.

“I like to win and challenge for trophies,” he said.

“I like to stay in a top side. Why not in England?”

“I have a contract, I am really pleased with the contract. I will try and concentrate on Rubin Kazan and not think about the summer.”

Benitez’s team selection has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, as Chelsea try to juggle a crowded schedule of Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League engagements.

Centre-back Gary Cahill and fullback Ashley Cole are injured, meaning two of John Terry, David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic are likely to start in the middle of the back four against Rubin Kazan, while Ryan Bertrand will deputise on the left.

“I will play a good team, that is what I am trying to do every single game,” Benitez said.

“When I don’t play one player they (the press) asked me about this player. When I don’t play another player they say you could have played this one that is better, so it’s not very clear (what the press want). In this situation I decided to play the players that I think I have to play.”

“We have been training without Cahill before, because he was injured before. And I think that Ivanovic, Terry and David Luiz have done well. Bertrand has had his opportunities in some games. So we have more options now.”