Benitez appointed new Napoli coach

Rafa Benitez has agreed a two-year contract to become the new coach of Napoli.

Monaco confirmed the signings Moutinho and Rodriguez worth €70m

Walter Mazzarri revealed last weekend that he is leaving Napoli this summer and he is widely expected to take charge at Inter Milan.

A string of names, including Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Jurgen Klopp, had been linked with the position at Napoli.

However, De Laurentiis has been in London to discuss a deal and he expects current interim Chelsea manager Benitez to sign a contract until 2015.

"I've given myself a gift for my 64th birthday," De Laurentiis told Sky Sport Italia. "Benitez will be the next Napoli coach.

"I'll make it official in the next few days as Benitez needs to end things with Chelsea. He'll have a two-year contract, no longer.

"We need to get to know each other first, then we'll see."

Benitez has been at Chelsea since November after replacing the sacked Roberto Di Matteo and he has led the club to Europa League final success and qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.

He has previous experience of coaching in Serie A after being appointed Inter Milan boss in the summer of 2010 after leaving Liverpool.

The 53-year-old won the Club World Cup with Inter, but was sacked just a few days later after barely half a season at the San Siro helm.

The Spaniard will be taking over a Napoli side that finished second in Serie A this season, nine points adrift of champions Juventus.

Lampard reckons Benitez was a success at Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard reckons Rafa Benitez was a success in his time at Stamford Bridge.

Despite opposition from a section of the Chelsea support regarding his appointment, Benitez confounded his critics by guiding the team to Europa League glory and a third-place finish in the Premier League.



Lampard, whose form under Benitez was rewarded with a one-year contract extension, admits the former Liverpool boss was thorough in his approach.

"He's a professional bloke. He prepared very well for games. And it was a difficult situation for him as well," Lampard said.



"As interim manager it was always going to be quite difficult because we all knew it was only to the end of the season.





"So there was no planning, no long-term relationships were going to be built. So, in that respect, he did a good job because we got the end result - success."



Despite that, though, Lampard did not grow close to Benitez on a personal level.



"There are certain managers you build relationships with and feel closer to," Lampard told. "He's not that kind of bloke.



"Other managers draw a bit of a line and keep it that way. Rafa's more like that.



"He was not really the sort of manager you could sit and talk with."

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Benitez admits relief

Rafa Benitez was thankful a 'very strange decision' did not deny Chelsea a win over Basel following a 2-1 success in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

Victor Moses' first-half header had Chelsea in front for the majority of the game until Basel equalised with three minutes to go through Fabian Schar's penalty.

The spot-kick was awarded for an apparent foul by Cesar Azpilicueta on Valentin Stocker, although there was little to suggest there had been an infringement.

David Luiz scored with the last kick of the game to ensure the decision did not prove too costly and Benitez was satisfied to come away from Switzerland with the advantage.

"I think we played against a good team," said Chelsea's interim manager. "You could see the intensity and pace of the game, and the tempo of the game.

"We had enough chances to score an away goal, but the penalty was a surprise for everyone and that could have made a difference.

"I couldn't see why it was a penalty. The ball was in the air and it was a very, very strange decision."

Benitez added: "It's always important to win and to score an away goal, but to score two and win is even better.

"David Luiz was playing as a midfielder and he did a great job, so I'm really pleased with the team in general."

Looking towards the second leg, Benitez added: "We know this team (Basel) is a very good team, who can score goals home and away, so we have to be sure to concentrate.

"We can't be over confident in the next game but we know that, if we play well, we can beat anyone."

One sour note for Chelsea was a 69th-minute booking for the fit-again Ashley Cole for time-wasting which rules the left-back out of next Thursday's second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Basle boss Murat Yakin said: "We were well organised but so were Chelsea. We just didn't find the free spaces.

"They took advantage of set pieces with the tall players they have in their team, but we didn't give up.

"Both sides created a lot of chances and the fans must have loved the game.

"We managed to equalise close to the end and the team reacted very well and were even looking for a winner.

"But, in the end, we were the unlucky team. Overall, we showed passion and it was a very good performance."

Double boost for Chelsea

Rafael Benitez will have defenders Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill available for Chelsea's Europa League semi-final first leg in Basel on Thursday.

Cole has recovered from the hamstring strain he suffered in the FA Cup quarter-final replay win against Manchester United earlier this month, while Cahill has been passed fit following a minor knee operation on 30 March.

But it remains to be seen whether or not Benitez will deploy the pair from the start at St Jakob-Park or ease them back to action, with Sunday's visit of Swansea - and the gruelling chase for the Champions League - also on his mind.

Oscar came off during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Liverpool with a groin problem but was among the 19-strong party that left London for Switzerland on Wednesday morning, as was bite-gate victim, Branislav Ivanovic.

Long-term injury victim Oriol Romeu (knee) is a definite absentee, while Demba Ba is cup-tied.

Basel conquered Tottenham after a penalty shootout in the previous round and are bidding to becomethe first Swiss steam to reach the final of a major UEFA club tournment.

Murat Yakin's side are unbeaten in six home matches during the tournament but there are doubts over he fitness of midfielder David Degen and defender Aleksandar Dragovic.

Benitez has no need to worry about legendary striker Alexander Frei, who played his last game for the club earlier this month, but Marco Streller has equalled Fernando Torres's four goals in the competition and is one to watch.
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Benitez tells owner he needs stronger team

Rafael Benítez has told Roman Abramovich that the Chelsea squad he inherited from Roberto Di Matteo is neither fit enough nor strong enough.

Chelsea have earmarked Metalist Kharkiv’s Brazilian attacker Taison as a January signing while Benítez has been working on the players’ fitness, sending Fernando Torres for extra sessions in the gym.Benítez attended a board meeting on Thursday with Abramovich and Michael Emenalo, the technical director, in which the interim first-team manager outlined his initial impressions of the squad after two stalemates and six training sessions. “You can see the team needs to improve a bit physically,’’ said Benítez. “We had yesterday a board meeting and I explained what I’d seen.’’

Benítez also considered recruiting Andy Carroll.

He believes he can win over the hostile fans. “When I was at Extremadura, I replaced a manager who was very successful and at the end they loved me. I went to Tenerife and had a very good relationship with the fans. Valencia was the same. Liverpool was the same. So hopefully with the success I can do the same here.”

The Spaniard, who on Saturday travels to West Ham to face an old rival in Sam Allardyce, argued that Chelsea were moving in the right direction under him. “The players have a bit more confidence now than before because they were conceding goals every single game and losing. The players can see the team is more solid, and that’s the first step.’’ If he has tightened the defence, Benítez needs to get the attack rolling.

The Premier League hopes to celebrate its 21,000th goal this weekend, needing 27 to hit the mark, but Benítez and Torres have to prove they can find the key to the door to goal. Benítez teams have not scored in the Premier League for six hours (two games with Chelsea this week, and his final two games with Liverpool in 2010).

Torres has not scored in 275 minutes under Benítez in the Premier League, not since March 28, 2010 against Sunderland, the first of his two goals that day highlighting the need to get the ball to him quickly. Liverpool’s keeper, Pepe Reina, found Torres on the left with a long throw, and the striker brilliantly turned Michael Turner before beating Craig Gordon with a superb strike into the top corner.

Torres needs constant encouragement by his manager. “I was always talking to him,’’ said Benítez of their time at Anfield. “I like doing that with players, asking them questions, about players, games, families. It can be a two-minute conversation with someone walking to the pitch, or you can have breakfast with them.’’

Benítez dismissed the idea of former Olympic sprinter Darren Campbell working with Torres as he has in the past. “It’s different just running and running with the ball on the pitch.”



During Thursday’s meeting, Benítez, Abramovich and Emenalo discussed the possibility of recalling Romelu Lukaku from West Bromwich Albion. “We know he’s doing well,’’ said Benítez. “But maybe it’s better for his development to stay there, playing.” Until January and Taison’s possible arrival, Torres faces 10 games. He cannot be rested. “Not at the moment because [Daniel] Sturridge is injured,’’ said Benítez.

“[Victor] Moses is the only option we’d have, but he’s a different kind of player.’’

Benitez, who despite Chelsea’s lack of goals was considering leaving out Oscar from Saturday's game, said he did not see Eden Hazard as a centre-forward, a role the Belgian filled unsuccessfully against Juventus. “I know he played in that position, but he’s not a striker. He’s a No 10 or a winger. Hazard was one of the players I wanted to sign at Liverpool at 19. He was too expensive.’’



Benítez also considered recruiting Andy Carroll, who eventually joined Liverpool for £35 million and is now on loan at West Ham. “He played the Youth Cup at Anfield and we were watching him, a young player with power,’’ recalled Benítez. “It was an option, he was cheaper. Take the ‘3’ off the £35 million.”



In chatty mood at Cobham on Friday, Benítez touched on a range of other matters. He praised Marko Marin, saying: “You can see his quality.’’ Of David Beckham possibly returning to England, Benítez said: “I’m not sure whether he can cope now with the pace of the Premier League.” He explained why he made the crossing hands “game over” gesture after Liverpool’s second goal in a 4-0 win over Allardyce’s Blackburn in 2009, a gesture of “absolute contempt” according to Sir Alex Ferguson at the time. “How could I have said the game was over after 20 minutes?’’ said Benítez yesterday. “Crazy.’’

John Terry has told the club’s medical staff that he feels ready to play but Benítez remains cautious, citing concerns over the knee injury, and doubted whether the centre-half would make the under-21s’ game on Monday. Benítez observed that the team missed the “character and leadership” of Terry and Frank Lampard.

Benitez’s life is all tinker, tailor at the moment. “I have some problems with the official suit. The Italian style is different. It’s really nice, but it’s a style for young people, not old people. Now, because of the [economic] crisis, no one has many suits in stock. They have to make the right one.’’

What would suit Chelsea on Saturday is a goal. Benítez is known for rarely celebrating goals. “Sometimes when you score it’s the time to talk to players. Some managers like to jump around and roar. The fans sometimes enjoy this. I’m happy inside.”

Benitez insists he can help Torres

Rafael Benitez insists he can help Fernando Torres rediscover his form and win over the Stamford Bridge faithful.



Benitez got a frosty reception from sections of the club's support when he made his first appearance in the dug-out against Manchester City on Sunday.



But he is adamant that he can revive the fortunes of the club and Torres - and get the fans back on side in the process.



"I understand the fans and how they feel," he told Sky Sports News. "I will try to prove I am here for the right reasons and I want to win.



"Imagine if you are a player who is struggling. I would say 'Stay focused, try to do your job, don't get distracted, concentrate on your football'.



"For me it is the same, I want to concentrate on coaching, improve the players and bring the fans back.



"I understand the feeling of the fans because of my time at Liverpool. We had a rivalry which was quite difficult.



"Torres can come back, but how far? I don't know. It depends on the team. Yes he can improve, I am sure he can improve, but it depends on the team to help him.



"I am not under pressure to pick him because Daniel Sturridge is still injured so I don't have many options."

Cech: Give Benitez a chance

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has urged Blues supporters to give new manager Rafael Benitez the chance to prove himself at Stamford Bridge.



The Spaniard was given a hostile reception in his first game in interim charge in Sunday's goalless draw with defending Premier League champions Manchester City as the home faithful protested against the appointment.



Benitez has succeeded Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked despite winning the Champions League and FA Cup last season.



The former Liverpool boss' past rivalry with Chelsea has damaged his popularity in London but Cech wants a united front.



The goalkeeper told Sky Sports: "Unfortunately you can't change history. We had a lot of rivalry against Liverpool but he (Benitez) is here to try to change things, put us in a winning mode, and he needs to get a chance to prove he deserves the chance."



Cech also regrets the sacking of Di Matteo after the Italian paid the price for just two wins in eight games in all competitions.



He said: "It's always bad news as a player, because you are responsible if you don't do well. Unfortunately you can't change the whole team and the manager is the first to go.



"Today (Sunday) was about starting from zero again and getting a positive result.



"You need some time when you change the manager to get a positive result and mood and 0-0 against the champions is not a bad result."

Benítez: Lampard and Cole are on their way out

Rafael Benitez has revealed he expects Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole to leave Chelsea in the summer.



Benitez has signed a short-term contract at Stamford Bridge and has adopted a squad that boasts several players with uncertain futures.



Both Cole and Lampard are yet to clarify what their careers hold when their contracts expire, with Cole so far only offered a one-year deal. Lampard has not received a fresh offer and has been linked with moves to China or the US.



Asked if he believes the players, both Champions League winners, will leave in the summer, Benitez said in the Guardian: "I think so.



"I don't have all the information and it's not fair to tell me I'm only here for seven months and then expect me to have an influence at the club over the next two or three years, but I think that's the case at the moment."



Benitez claims he does not enjoy mind games, but that did not stop him taking part in them during his first Friday press conference as he placed Arsene Wenger ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson as a manager.



On his first full day in the Chelsea job, the Spaniard was greeted with a typical barb from his old sparring partner Ferguson, who claimed he was "lucky" to be in a position to win a second Club World Cup.



Benitez, however, responded by talking about how he ranked Wenger above the Manchester United manager when he first came to England, and that any such comments were only in reply to other managers "pushing him".



"No, I don't enjoy that [mind games]. I enjoy my team playing well and winning games. I have to defend my team, my club, so I cannot wait while they push and push," Benitez said.



"You're playing to win trophies, and only one can win it. Some managers in the middle of the table can be friendly, but only one wins it. People try to win in different ways. I like to respect people, but sometimes I cannot because they push you...



"There are a lot of good managers in the world, many who have won trophies. I don't like to talk about other managers.



"When I came to England I knew the other managers. Arsene Wenger was the best manager who had been here for a while. But I cannot talk about these things every day."

Zenden set to be named Benitez assistant

Boudewijn Zenden will be appointed assistant to Rafael Benitez at Chelsea, the former Blues player's father has said.



Pierre Zenden told Voetbal International his son had been approached by Benitez to join him at Stamford Bridge.



He said he was on his to London to be reunited with a coach for whom he played at Liverpool, adding: "He was approached on Wednesday by Benitez and is now on a flight.



"Since yesterday, he phoned Benitez many times. I assume that he will be on the pitch this afternoon, together with the manager. I assume he will finish the season, just like Benitez."



Zenden, who played 42 league games for Chelsea between 2001 and 2004, returns to Stamford Bridge with much to prove in what will be his first coaching appointment since he retired from playing last year.



Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Benitez's six-month contract at Chelsea has the option for a one-year extension that could be activated next summer.



There have also been reports that the club may retain his services even if he does not continue as first-team coach next season.



Chelsea officials are believed to be keen to appoint an "experienced football figure" in a sporting director role, and Benitez could fit that bill in a restructured hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea appoint Benitez

Chelsea have announced they have appointed Rafa Benitez as their new manager until the end of the season.



The London club moved quickly to appoint the former Liverpool manager after the ruthless sacking of Roberto Di Matteo following their 3-0 defeat to Juventus in Turin on Tuesday night which left the European Champions’ hopes of progressing to this season’s knockout stages hanging by a thread.



A Chelsea statement released after 7.00pm read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm Rafael Benitez has been appointed interim first-team manager until the end of the season.



“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.”



Di Matteo was removed from his post during the middle of the night bringing an end to his seven-month reign despite leading the Blues to the FA Cup and a first-ever Champions League triumph in May.



Benitez’s appointment is not believed to be a popular one with the Chelsea supporters, having clashed with the club on numerous occasions during his time in charge of Liverpool.



Also how his style of defensive football will deliver owner Roman Abramovich’s quest for beautiful football that also wins trophies is unclear.

Rafa interested in Chelsea job

Rafa Benitez has admitted that Chelsea 'fall in the category' of clubs he would be interested in managing after Roberto di Matteo's sacking.



Benitez - in Abu Dhabi to talk at a coaching seminar - did not confirm or deny whether there had been any contact with the Stamford Bridge club.



The Spaniard is being heavily linked with a return to the Premier League with Chelsea, with bookmakers making him odds-on favourite.



"Obviously it is a top side and they can compete for trophies so it falls in this category," Benitez told The National. "What I will say is that I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies so Chelsea is one of these clubs.



"The reason [I have not coached for nearly two years] is that you are looking for a top side that can challenge for trophies, because there are not too many top sides that can challenge so I had to wait."



Benitez is known to have spoken to Chelsea in the summer but backed away as they were only willing to offer a one-year term, with Pep Guardiola - currently on a sabbatical - tipped to take charge.



Before news of Di Matteo's sacking broke on Wednesday, Benitez had said that his "next challenge was close".