Rafael Benitez has rejected suggestions that he accepted a seven-month contract to take over at Chelsea in a bid to revive his battered reputation, after claiming he deserves his place among the elite managers in world football.

Rafa Benitez press conference Chelsea
PA PhotosRafa Benitez believes he is worthy to be Chelsea's manager

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Former Liverpool manager Benitez will take charge of Chelsea for the first time against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with his self-belief restored to the level of his coaching glory days at Valencia and Anfield.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson may have been quick to suggest Benitez was 'lucky' to be handed the keys of power at Chelsea after he was hounded out of Liverpool and Inter Milan in chastening fashion back in 2010, but Benitez insists he has nothing to prove as he makes his return to the Premier League.

"How many top jobs have been available in the last two years? Not too many," Benitez said. "So if you have maybe eight top managers and only one or two teams available, you do not have too many chances. For me, I was waiting for the right one and it was not there. Now I have a top club and I think I can do a good job.

"Every year you see new managers because the way football is going on, not too many people can cope with this pressure and keep winning. So I had a lot of confidence I would get a job, a good job. Which one? This one is a great opportunity. It doesn't matter that it's for seven months, even three months."

Chelsea supporters who are preparing a hostile welcome party for the club's new manager when he takes charge of the European champions for the first time against City may dispute Benitez's confidence that he should be recognised as one of the coaching giants of the modern game.

However, Benitez has stated that he is returning to the game with a glut of fresh ideas, as he believes some time away from the game has allowed him to re-evaluate his coaching ideals.

"I was forced to take a break from the game after leaving Inter Milan and it has taken me until now to find a way back," he said. "What I can guarantee is when you come back you are more focussed, you have better vision and you have more commitment. Sometimes when you are working, you are working so hard that you don't see everything.

"Now, when I watch the Champions League Final, it gives me new ideas. You watch another game, you have an idea and so you're ready for the next challenge. For me, this challenge is at Chelsea."

Meanwhile, Benitez has suggested he holds the key to reviving £50m misfit Fernando Torres at Chelsea, after claiming the striker he turned into a world-class superstar at Liverpool will benefit from his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

"My job now is to find out why he is not scoring as many goals as he was at Liverpool and I have my ideas," he said. "With Fernando, you have to put your arm around the shoulder and push him."

Pep Guardiola could succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss when the 70-year-old retires, according to reports.

Rafa Benitez is believed to be a temporary replacement at Chelsea as owner Roman Abramovich attempts to lure Guardiola into a full-time position at the club for next season.

But while Guardiola has remained coy on his future after a hiatus from the game, the Sun has reported that the Spaniard is set to turn down Chelsea's offer and wait for a move to Old Trafford.

"The whole history of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex and the way the club is run appeals to Pep," a source close to Guardiola told the Sun. "Right now I'd be astonished if he went to Chelsea. He really wants to wait for the United job even if it means extending his time out of the game."

It is believed that Abramovich's influence on the playing style at Chelsea has deterred Guardiola.

we don't really need someone who can last 20+ years for now though, SAF is a once in a life time legend and we shouldn't expect his successor to emulate his longevity

But it would be nice to have a 'long term' successful manager. Sort of brings a different kind of stability to the team. Something u dont see in other teams in the league

Sir alex has been a man utd manager ever since i started watching them as a kid. I kinda like how sir alex is associated almost synonymously with manchester united. Will be a big lost when he finally calls it a day. Dont know bout u guys,but 10-15 years from now id Feel so proud that we were there when SIR ALEX FERGUSON was creating history.

I would prefer mourinho rather than pep anyday because at the very least he had manage acouple of club before while pep only managed fc barca.
I mean almost any manager can achieve success with a team comprises of such players like barca. At least its going to be easier. Though maybe he managed to create a sucessful tactic for barca to play on but it may not happen for united.

Jose on the other hand has been succesful in few different clubs and winning the ucl too even with the underdog porto.

Besides i like it when he pokes at manager.

A draw between them would be great.