Benitez open to Premier League return

Rafael Benitez wants to get back into management with a big club but remains tight-lipped on speculation linking him with Chelsea.

The Spaniard is among the favourites for the Stamford Bridge job, which became vacant on Sunday after the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.

Benitez has racked up many major honours as a manager with his time at clubs including Liverpool, Inter and Valencia, winning the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, two La Liga titles and an FA Cup.

But the 51-year-old has refused to be drawn on the possibility of becoming the new manager at the west London club and offered his sympathy to Villas-Boas.

When asked if he would be interested in the Chelsea job, he told Sky Sports News: “I would like to have in the future a top side, a top club that can fight for titles and challenge.”

“That was my idea when I came to Liverpool, after I went to Inter it was the same and Valencia was the same.”

“My experience is in the Champions League, to challenge and to try and win trophies.”

The former Liverpool boss added: “I don’t like to see any manager lose a job.”

“Before, people were more patient but now you have to win almost every week. I have experience in Spain and Italy and it is even worse there, after two or three games you are under pressure.”

Benitez also backed Fernando Torres, who he brought to English football during his time at Liverpool, to turn his fortunes around at Chelsea.

“I was really pleased with Fernando at Liverpool. It was fantastic for the club, for him, for everyone. He’s a top-class player and he will do well,” he said.