'Everybody knows who will be here': Rafael Benitez hints that Jose Mourinho will be the next Chelsea manager

'Everybody knows who will be here' says interim-manager

Jose Mourinho (GETTY IMAGES)

The likelihood of Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea is seemingly increasing on a daily basis, with even the current incumbent of the Stamford Bridge hotseat hinting he expects the Special One to replace him.

It has been known for some time that Benitez will step down at the conclusion of Chelsea's season, yet the identity of his replacement is still not certain.

However, it looks increasingly likely that it will be Mourinho, who has been hinting and spoken of his desire to return to the Premier League for some time.

A date of July 1 has been mooted for the return of Mourinho, and when asked about it today, Benitez in no way refuted the claims.

"The next year there will be another manager," said Benitez, who replaced the popular Roberto Di Matteo in November.

"I think everybody knows who will be here."

Benitez refused to go further on the subject, instead saying he wished to focus on his own time that remains in west London.

"It's not my concern what will happen here next season, I'm just concentrating on doing my job," he said.

Benitez could leave Stamford Bridge with a Europa League medal after guiding the Blues to this month's final in Amsterdam. The club are also aiming to finish in the top-four, with a crucial match against Tottenham to be played tomorrow night.