What would the former Liverpool boss bring to Stamford Bridge?
Today Benitez’s representatives have denied an approach has been made to him by Chelsea, but that doesn’t mean he is not being lined up if Villas-Boas does not survive the season. If he is eventually appointed as the next Chelsea manager here is what fans can expect…
1) More Spaniards: Benitez headed a Spanish revolution at Liverpool, bringing in Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Fernando Torres, but also less successful Alberto Riera, Josemi, Antonio Nunez and Fernando Morientes. Chelsea already have Juan Mata and Oriol Romeu in addition to Torres and you can be sure he will be scouting his homeland for more talent.
2) Goals for Torres: Fernando Torres was a huge success at Benitez for Liverpool. If there is a man with a proven track record of getting Chelsea’s £50 million striker firing, Benitez is the best person for the job. However it could be argued that Benitez’ failure to buy a second striker in 2008/09 after selling Robbie Keane caused Torres’ injury problems, as the Spaniard had to play nearly every game despite coping with several niggling injuries.
3) European success: Roman Abramovich craves Champions League glory like no other trophy. He got pretty close a couple of times, and will remember when Rafa Benitez’ Liverpool emerged victorious against Chelsea thanks to Luis Garcia’s ‘ghost goal’. Benitez won the trophy in 2005 and has the experience needed to come up with a winning formula for Chelsea’s side. Can he do it? He will need luck on his side like in 2005.
4) Clashes with Sir Alex: While Jose Mourinho always enjoyed a respectful, cordial relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, its fair to say Rafa Benitez did not. From his famed ‘facts’ rant which United fans compared to Kevin Keegan, to his goal celebration against Bolton which Ferguson described as ‘disrespectful’, the pair have never seen eye to eye. When Benitez comes back he will be like a man possessed with a point to prove, and will want the Premier League trophy which has always eluded him.
5) Improved youth setup: Chelsea have spent millions on their youth academy, hired Frank Arnesen, and snapped up young talent from home and abroad, but are still to produce a first team player. The club have high hopes for Ryan Bertrand and Josh McEachran, but Benitez is the man to shake the system up. He re-invented the Liverpool youth academy, giving it an overhaul, and was recently praised by Kenny Dalglish for his contribution.
Let us know your views, would you like to see Benitez at Chelsea?
image: © Crystian Cruz
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