Chelsea boss Benitez: We must qualify for Champions League

27/01/2013 6:40:00 AM

The Blues boss says that finishing in the top four of the Premier League is the main focus for his team this campaign as his squad prepare for their FA Cup clash against Brentford

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has stated that Champions League qualification is his priority, rather than winning trophies to ensure the safety of his position.

The 52-year old arrived at the west London side in November as an interim replacement for Roberto Di Matteo, but the former Liverpool coach has since seen the team crash out of the Champions League at the group stage, and lost the semi-final of the Capital One Cup, while they face Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

Despite no Chelsea manager avoiding the sack after a trophy-less season under Roman Abramovich, Benitez insists that he knows that his priority must be a good finish in the Premier League.

"My idea is very clear. We have to be in the top four in terms of doing well and try to progress in the other competitions." he told reporters.

"But not just to get the job. It's just what we have to do. We want to win every game, we want to win every trophy available. The FA Cup is our next target, we will try to do it.

"The priority is very clear. Finish in the top four and try to progress and try to go, as much as we can, to the final or to the semi-final.

"The most important thing, to be in the Champions League next year.

"As a top side, you have to win. And you play against a team in another division, so you have to win."