Rafael Benitez is set to be appointed the next Chelsea manager in time to take charge of the club's clash with Manchester City on Sunday
The former Liverpool boss is expected to be handed a short-term contract by the European champions and confirmed as Di Matteo’s replacement within the next 48 hours.
Chelsea have turned to Benitez after Pep Guardiola indicated that he wants to continue his sabbatical from football and not return to management before next summer.
Rafael Benitez
Despite reports that there has been no contact between the European champions and Benitez, it is understood that a deal is being brokered for the Spaniard to be installed at Stamford Bridge imminently.
Discussions are centering on the length of the contract and the personal terms. Sources have told Goal.com that Benitez is willing to take the job until the end of the season and he is not expected to be given a long-term deal. Chelsea expect that the 52-year-old will be in the dugout for Sunday afternoon’s Premier League match at home to Manchester City.
Benitez was in Abu Dhabi yesterday speaking at a coaching seminar before preparing to return to United Kingdom, where he lives with his family in Merseyside, overnight.
When asked about taking the Stamford Bridge job on a short-term basis, Benitez told Sport360: “I have to talk with my agent and see what he has been doing the last couple of days. I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies and Chelsea is one of these clubs.”
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