Benitez would be 'pleased' if Guardiola took Chelsea job

The interim boss has been welcomed unfavourably at Stamford Bridge since Roberto Di Matteo's sacking, with Roman Abramovich desperately chasing the former Barcelona boss

Rafael Benitez has admitted he would be "very pleased" if Pep Guardiola takes over from him as Chelsea manager.

The former Liverpool man was brought in to replace Roberto Di Matteo last month and has received a frosty reception since, with fans still cheering the Italian's name during matches.

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"Guardiola has a fantastic record," Benitez told BBC Sport. "If he comes and we've won a lot of trophies, I'll be very pleased."

"When I decided to come, I knew I was signing a contract for six or seven months so I was not thinking about more after these seven months."

The 52-year-old hopes that he can bring success to Stamford Bridge, and believes the Blues' fans will regret their initial displeasure at his appointment.

"I understand the feelings of the fans because of the rivalry between both clubs [Liverpool and Chelsea]," he said.

"After the improvement of the team, the way I will play [and] the style I will have, I think a lot of fans will say: 'Maybe we were too hard and we have to give him the chance to bring the confidence back to the team and the fans'."