Sunday, May 5, 2013

Benitez will not discuss Mourinho

Venue: Stamford BridgeDate: Thursday, 2 MayKick-off: 2005 BSTCoverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website, commentary on BBC Radio 5 live

Continue reading the main story Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez refused to speak about Jose Mourinho ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against FC Basel.

Real Madrid boss Mourinho hinted at a possible return to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, saying he plans to be "where people love me to be" next season.

"It's not my business," said Benitez. "I have to concentrate on my business, that is to beat Basel."

Rafael Benitez, who won the Europa League (then the Uefa Cup) with Valencia in 2004, is the only coach left in the competition to have lifted the trophy previously.

Chelsea will be without suspended left-back Ashley Cole for the second leg.

Ryan Bertrand, 23, is likely to start in Cole's place, but he joins David Luiz, Ramires and John Mikel Obi in being one booking away from missing the final in Amsterdam on 15 May. Striker Demba Ba is ineligible.

Chelsea won the first leg 2-1 in Switzerland, but the build-up to their return clash with Basel has been dominated by Mourinho's comments.

Following Real's Champions League semi-final defeat by Borussia Dortmund, the Portuguese said: "I know in England I am loved. I know I am loved by some clubs, especially one."

Some perceived that as suggesting the 50-year-old will return to Stamford Bridge, where he remains the club's most successful manager with two Premier League titles and three domestic cup wins.

Benitez, who has already stated he will leave the club at the end of the season, would only discuss his targets for the rest of the season - which include qualifying for the Champions League.

"We know it's our priority and we'll try to do it," added Benitez. "I like to think in a positive way. We will be there."

Chelsea squad to play FC Basel: Cech, Turnbull, Hilario, Ivanovic, Bertrand, Luiz, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Oscar, Mata, Mikel, Moses, Lampard, Hazard, Torres, Benayoun, Marin, Ake, Ferreira.


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