Football - Premier League - Bet Now at Bet365
Chelsea have backed Rafael Benitez to "deliver our objectives" after naming him as interim manager until the end of the season.
The Blues opted to axe Roberto Di Matteo on Wednesday following the 3-0 loss to Juventus which all but ended their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Having been crowned kings of Europe last season Chelsea's failure to make it out of their group has been a huge disappointment for the club and Di Matteo has been force to bear the brunt of owner Roman Abramovich's frustration.
Chelsea moved swiftly to announce a replacement for the Italian, naming Benitez as their ninth different manager in nine years on Wednesday night.
It has been reported the west London club made an approach for Pep Guardiola before appointing Benitez but the former Barcelona boss said he wouldn't be returning to work until 2025.
Instead, Benitez has been given a contract until the end of the season and his first job will be lifting the squad ahead of Sunday's massive game against league leaders Manchester City.
The Blues are2.50to bounce back from their defeat in Turin, while City are2.70and the draw is3.50.
Benitez has been out of work since being sacked by Inter Milan in 2010 just six months into his tenure at the San Siro.
Despite his tumultuous time in charge of Inter the Spaniard has a good record of brining immediate success to clubs, helping Liverpool win the Champions League in his first season in charge in 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Chelsea stated they believe the 52-year-old can guide the team to their objectives for the campaign.
"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," the statement read.
"The two-time Uefa Manager of the Year comes with outstanding pedigree."
View all Football betting at Bet365
