Red shadow still hangs over Benitez
Benitez was an unpopular appointment at Stamford Bridge due to his prior association with Liverpool — a side he led to the Champions League title in 2005 after a controversial semi-final defeat of the Blues.
In a bid to quell the discontent emanating from the stands, Benitez in February called for them to back the team and confirmed he would be leaving Chelsea at the end of the season.
Speculation has mounted in recent weeks over where Benitez will go next. A leading side in England is an option, and he did not totally dismiss the prospect of a return to Liverpool this week.
A local journalist informed Benitez that Russian Liverpool fans are intending to attend tonight’s match at the Luzhniki Stadium and asked about a return to Anfield.
The Spaniard, wearing a wide smile, said: “All the support is welcome, but especially for the players, so hopefully the players will feel a little warm and will be fine.
“I have my family in Liverpool so that is my home and I will come back to Liverpool any time.
“Just to clarify: I’m talking about my home, where my family is, not the team.
“I am the Chelsea manager and I will go back next week because we have to play against Liverpool (April 21).”
The Spaniard is seeking to finish his Blues career on a high, beginning with safe passage into tomorrow’s semi-final draw ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City.
Rubin, meanwhile have vowed to do their utmost to upset Benitez’s side.
The Russian club have the 2012 European Cup-winning Blues in their sights, even though they trail 3-1 from the first leg.
“We understand the situation,” coach Kurban Berdyev said.
“At the moment Chelsea has a very good advantage, but we can say that we’re going to do everything possible we can do to win this game on the pitch tomorrow.”
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