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Rafael Benitez agent denies reports of approach from Chelsea

 

Cindy Garcia-Bennett
Thursday 23 February 2012 12:16 GMT
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RAFAEL BENITEZ Used to challenging for the Champions League and being at the other end of the Premier League with Liverpool. An outsider to join a relegation fight and according to reports, has already ruled himself out.
RAFAEL BENITEZ Used to challenging for the Champions League and being at the other end of the Premier League with Liverpool. An outsider to join a relegation fight and according to reports, has already ruled himself out. (GETTY IMAGES)

Rafael Benitez's agent has reiterated the Spaniard's desire to return to work in England but stressed there had been no contact from Chelsea.

Reports this morning suggested the west London club had approached Benitez with a view to him replacing the under-fire Andre Villas-Boas at Stamford Bridge.

But Manuel Garcia Quilon told Press Association Sport Chelsea had not been in touch.

"There is nothing official," he said.

"It's only media speculation and we have not been approached by Chelsea.

"We would only evaluate that possibility once there is an offer."

Chelsea have won just two of their last 10 Barclays Premier League games and slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday night.

And with reports of dressing room revolt, it has been suggested Blues owner Roman Abramovich is considering a coaching change.

Benitez is available having been out of work since his sacking by Inter Milan in December 2010 and has a track record of success having led Liverpool to Champions League and FA Cup glory and Valencia to two La Liga titles.

The Spaniard was strongly linked with a move to Paris St Germain earlier this year but Quilon insists the 51-year-old wants to work again in England.

"Benitez's priority is to coach in the Premier League," he said.

PA

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