Chelsea ‘open shock talks with Rafael Benitez’ over Newcastle boss becoming new Blues manager

Chelsea ‘open shock talks with Rafael Benitez’ over Newcastle boss becoming new Blues manager
Chelsea have reportedly opened negotiations over the possible return of Rafa Benitez as manager.The Newcastle boss’ current deal expires this summer and there have been difficulties in agreeing a renewal for him to stay on at St James’ Park.Getty Images - Getty2

Benitez is a shock contender to return to Chelsea as Maurizio Sarri’s successor

Football's top transfers from the 2019 summer transfer window so far And Italian outlet Tuttosport report the west London club have initiated talks to appoint Benitez as manager.Current Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri looks set to leave the Blues after just one season in charge and is expected to be named Juventus coach, reports claim.The Italian secured a third-placed Premier League finish and won the Europa League in his debut season in England, while he also guided the Blues to the EFL Cup final. But he came under fire from the Chelsea supporters, who criticised his style of play as the Blues languished well behind Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League table.A move for Benitez by the Blues hierarchy would be highly controversial, as he was a hugely unpopular figure with the Stamford Bridge faithful while interim manager for part of the 2012/13 season.getty2

Benitez spent six months as Chelsea interim manager following the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo

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Despite winning the Europa League, Benitez did not win over the Chelsea fans due to his criticism of the club when he was in charge of Liverpool.Meanwhile, Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus reportedly turned down the opportunity to replace Sarri at Stamford Bridge.Jesus, the former Benfica and Sporting CP boss, is said to have rejected Roman Abramovichs offer as he wanted a bigger challenge, and instead took up the post of Flamengo manager.

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Chelsea's first-team stars have suffered further ignominy after they drew to a developmental squad in a practice match at their training ground.The youth team equalised with the last kick of the
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Wales' hopes of earning promotion to the UEFA Nations League's top tier were ended after losing 2-1 to Denmark at The Cardiff City Stadium. Nicolai Jorgensen's goal gave the Danes the lead before Martin Braithwaite's sublime volley two minutes from the end of the 90 seemingly put the contest to bed.
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