Rafael Benitez has said the speculation that Jose Mourinho could return to Chelsea is “not my business”, with the Spanish coach preferring to focus on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg with FC Basel.
PA PhotosBenitez: Interim Chelsea manager
In the aftermath of Real Madrid’s Champions League exit on Tuesday, ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho hinted at a return to the Premier League, as he said: “I’m loved by some clubs, especially one.”
Benitez is set to part company with the Blues at the end of the current campaign when his contract as interim boss expires, but the former Liverpool manager had no interest in speculating on who might replace him at the helm.
“[It is] not my business. I want to concentrate on the game. Tomorrow is important,” he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the tie with FC Basel.
Reflecting on the second leg, after Chelsea won the first meeting in Swizterland 2-1, Benitez said: “Basel will come trying to score, they did it versus Spurs and I am sure they will have the same approach. They need to score.
“We have a good team and we are so close to the final we have to be concentrated. I have a lot of confidence in my players.
“As [Juan] Mata said, winning a trophy is important to everyone. We are not in the final yet and we are playing against a tough team.”
