Benitez not sure if he’ll join players for last lap

Rafael Benitez yesterday declined to reveal if he will take part in his Chelsea squad’s lap of appreciation following tomorrow’s final match of the season at Stamford Bridge.

Benitez, who refused to entertain the possibility of a play-off with Arsenal for third place in the Premier League, has fulfilled his brief in his seven months in charge, by achieving qualification for the Champions League and winning silverware, with Wednesday’s Europa League triumph over Benfica in Amsterdam.

Yet, due to his prior association with Liverpool and the vitriol directed towards him earlier this season, Benitez was reluctant to comment on whether he will join his squad in accepting the acclaim of supporters following this weekend’s Premier League match with Everton.