Rafa 'really pleased' to be going to Anfield

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez is looking forward to returning to former club Liverpool this weekend, although he said that leaving Anfield with three points is his only concern.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez is looking forward to returning to former club Liverpool this weekend, although he said that leaving Anfield with three points is his only concern.

The Blues last night moved back up to third in the Premier League with an comfortable 3-0 derby defeat of Fulham at Craven Cottage.

David Luiz's wonder strike and a John Terry brace proved the difference by the Thames, setting them up nicely for Sunday's trip to Liverpool - the club Benitez led to Champions League glory in 2005.

"Liverpool is where my family live now," the Spaniard said. "I have been there for six years and have very good memories.

"I cannot hide that I am really pleased to be going there to see a lot of old friends.

"The main thing is to stay in the top three and what I want is to win at Liverpool.

"And after, I wish them all the best and if they can win all their games until the end of the season, that will be fantastic.

"But as a professional, I am sure they will try and win and we will try win."

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Benitez made four changes for yesterday's match, with Chelsea captain Terry amongst those returning.

The 32-year-old was an unused substitute in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Man City and put in a decent performance on his return to the starting line-up.

But, while impressed by the display, Benitez warned that might not be enough for a starting berth at Liverpool as he attempts to juggle domestic and European exertions.

"He has to be happy, scoring goals," Benitez said. "Everyone is.

"It's good for him and the team. I'm really pleased because it was a good performance.

"I prefer these problems [of whether to leave him out]. I told the players before it is important that they have to be ready.

"We have eight or nine games to play and everyone has to be on his toes and ready to play and perform.

"We will try to stay in the top three and we have the Europa League as well. We want to compete in both competitions."

Chelsea might still be able to achieve their goals but last night's result left Fulham manager Martin Jol frustrated.

"If you want to achieve something, you have to be in Europe and we can't," he said.

"What we want to achieve is as many points as possible, stay out of trouble and maybe get 10 points.

"But we play against Everton next week, Arsenal this Saturday and Chelsea tonight. but we have a heavy schedule.

"Hopefully we can register another eight or nine points."

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