Rafael Benitez wants return to 'top club'

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 has ambitions to return to management with a "top club" but refused to be drawn on a possible move to Chelsea.

The former Liverpool, Valencia and Inter Milan boss is currently out of work and is one of the favourites to replace Andre Villas-Boas, who was sacked by Chelsea yesterday after less than a season in charge.

The Spaniard, who won the Champions League with the Reds in 2005, confirmed he wants to get back into the game at the highest level but, aside from offering his sympathy to Villas-Boas, he was careful not to talk directly about Chelsea.

"I don't like to see any manager lose a job," he told Sky Sports News.

"Before, people were more patient but now you have to win almost every week. I have experience in Spain and Italy and it is even worse there, after two or three games you are under pressure.

"I would like to have in the future a top side, a top club that can fight for titles and challenge. That was my idea when I came to Liverpool, after I went to Inter it was the same and Valencia was the same.

"My experience is in the Champions League, to challenge and to try and win trophies."

Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, currently with Real Madrid, is another name heavily linked with the Stamford Bridge hot seat but one of the factors that some believe could see Benitez installed is his history with Fernando Torres.

Benitez brought the Spain forward to Anfield, where he enjoyed a golden spell before a £50million move to Chelsea that has never really got off the ground.

Asked about his relationship with Torres, Benitez added: "I was really pleased with Fernando at Liverpool. It was fantastic for the club, for him, for everyone. He's a top-class player and he will do well."

PA