Roman wants Rafa to take the reins

Roman Abramovich is aiming to appoint a replacement for Roberto Di Matteo by the end of today after ruthlessly sacking another Chelsea manager in the early hours of this morning.

Wed, 21 Nov, 2012 - 12:44

Roman Abramovich is aiming to appoint a replacement for Roberto Di Matteo by the end of today after ruthlessly sacking another Chelsea manager in the early hours of this morning.

It is widely understood the Blues owner Abramovich has identified the man he wants to bring in, with Rafael Benitez the bookmakers’ favourite to land the job.

After last night's comprehensive defeat at Juventus left their Champions League hopes teetering on the brink, Di Matteo, who guided the team to what Abramovich considers the Holy Grail six months ago, was shown the door.

Benitez would immediately be tasked with getting troubled striker Fernando Torres back to the heights he struck while the duo were at Liverpool.

The Spaniard has already declared an interest in the vacant position at Chelsea.

When asked by Sport360 if an approach had been made, he said: “You ask directly, I cannot answer directly.

“In football a lot of people are talking so we will see what happens in the next few days. I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies and Chelsea is one of these clubs.

“I have to talk with my agent and see what he has been doing the last couple of days. But I am just trying to go to a team that can win.”

Abramovich is keen to have someone in place before Sunday’s crunch Barclays Premier League game against Manchester City and Chelsea hope to make an announcement before tomorrow.

Chelsea and Rafa spoke after sacking of AVB as I explain in my Pep bio. This time round it would be different
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 21, 2012