According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Chelsea have now initiated talks with Rafa Benitez as they look to replace Maurizio Sarri.
The Turin-based newspaper believes this ‘move’ for the Spaniard could then speed up Sarri’s proposed switch to Juventus, with them also claiming that a meeting with the Newcastle boss is ‘imminent’.
That said, Tuttosport do state that Rafa is one of several options Chelsea are looking at.
These are big claims from Spain, but I’d take them with a real pinch of salt.
I have my doubts about this one given his spell as interim manager at Stamford Bridge wasn’t exactly met warmly by Chelsea fans – supporters who’ve been anything but kind to him on his return to the club; despite the fact he won them a European Cup!
Hopefully there’s nothing to this, especially when Rafa’s situation at the club seemed complex enough after takeover talk completely took over in recent weeks.
On a positive note, Roma – a club believed to have made contact with Rafa – have now appointed Paulo Fonseca, meaning another door has definitely closed as far as Benitez’s summer options are concerned.
About as likely as me getting the NUFC job…
Stuart79(Quote)
The reports on this site get more ridiculous by the day.
Dave H(Quote)
It’s a story being published by one of the well known media outlets in Italy. WE aren’t the ones saying it’s true, we’re just reporting on it – and, as I say in one of the last few paragraphs, I don’t think this is true.
But just because we don’t think it’s true doesn’t mean I shouldn’t talk about it?
If that was the case I wouldn’t have written a thing about a potential takeover! 😆
Olly Hawkins(Quote)