By Charlie Skillen

PUBLISHED: 10:03 EST, 22 February 2013 | UPDATED: 12:48 EST, 22 February 2013


Rafa Benitez has been told he is only keeping the managerial hot seat at Chelsea warm for Jose Mourinho, according to Ruud Gullit.

The Dutchman, a former boss at Stamford Bridge, has revealed the current incumbent was told when he took over from Roberto Di Matteo that a top four finish was the very least he had to deliver.

The Spaniard's tenure at Chelsea has been blighted by constant fan protests, despite Benitez guiding them to within sight of second place in the Premier League and into the latter stages of the Europa League.

Keeping the seat warm: Benitez, training today, is to be replaced by Jose Mourinho, according to Ruud Gullit

Keeping the seat warm: Benitez, training today, is to be replaced by Jose Mourinho, according to Ruud Gullit

Fighting fit: Chelsea were preparing today for Sunday's trip to champions Manchester City

Fighting fit: Chelsea were preparing today for Sunday's trip to champions Manchester City

But Gullit is convinced that regardless of Benitez's achievements, he will be replaced by Real Madrid boss Mourinho, who left Chelsea in 2007 after ending their 50-year wait for a domestic title.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: 'Rafa Benitez's main objective this season is to qualify for the Champions League and then to make way for Jose Mourinho.

'I have a feeling that he was meant to come back after the Champions League final but then when Chelsea won it I think he thought better of it. It's no coincidence that right after the final he signed a new contract with Real Madrid.'

Waiting in the shadows: Ex-Chelsea boss Gullit believes Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge in the summer

Waiting in the shadows: Ex-Chelsea boss Gullit believes Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge in the summer

Benitez, though, is still worried about those chasing Chelsea down in pursuit of a top four place.

With Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham also having designs on qualifying for the Champions League next season, the race for the top four is likely to be a long one.

'The race for the top four will go on until the end of the season,' he said. 'Our last game is against Everton so I'm sure that, until the end of the season, we will be winning games or losing games or whatever but it will be very tight, very close.

'I think that one game can make a big difference so until the end it will be difficult for everyone.'

Benitez also believes Sunday's meeting with Manchester City can be a guide to his side's targets for the season.

Tough task: Benitez believes Sunday's clash at the Etihad is crucial to his side's rest of the season

Tough task: Benitez believes Sunday's clash at the Etihad is crucial to his side's rest of the season

'We have a lot of respect because City is a great team,' Benitez said. 'But we have to go there with confidence and if we are close I think that we can fight for being in the top two, and if not we have to fight for being in the top four.

'The priority is to win; if we win this game we will be closer but if we cannot we have to keep fighting.

'What I can see now is a team with confidence, we are confident we can beat City or anyone if we do things in the right way. We are creating chances in every game so I'm confident we can do it.'


The comments below have not been moderated.

I have inside knowledge that Mancini will join Chelsea in the summer and The Special One will end up at Man City. Remember where you read this.

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Moyes is the man Chelski need not 'The Boring One'. Moyes will steer the ship in the right direction and get them back on track. However, they need a good clear out first and I'm not even a Chelski fan.

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The "Big Figure" Not absolutely sure but didn't Chelsea gain the record points tally under Jose,hardly boring.Anyway,show me a title winning team and i will show you a group of fans who couldn't care less how boring their team are, ask an Arsenal supporter.

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Oh god I hope not. So many plastic fans on here wishing him back, but I'd rather have someone like Moyes who would build for the future. Jose would be, once again, great defensively but boring, and too fond of the limelight. - jjohnnyfive, Berkshire, 22/2/2013 19:34..........You seem to forget that in his first season Chelsea scored more than 100 goals. Really boring!

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Even if he comes he will only be waiting for the job he really wants; Manchester United. He always insists on a release clause in every contract. -- Watcher with a Pie, Oop North, United Kingdom, 22/2/2013 23:02..........I take it, then, that your occupation is as Mourinho's agent as you seem to be party to the details of his contracts.

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Yes I have to agree with Charles Grey the only advantage for Jose living in Knightsbridge and commuting to Old Trafford would be that he could come to a car sharing arrangement with the Manure supporters.

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Things can only get better !!! Wonder what Jose will make of Torres ? And of course he will keep Lamps ! quite a big clear out due in the summer ....could be very exciting ! Blues to walk the Premiership next season .

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Would be great for the club, then again anyone would be better than the fsw.

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I'll believe it when I read the announcement on the official Chelsea page...

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We all want the special one to return, but we also know that our major problem at the club is Roman. yeah, jose will win us trophies but also roman will start demanding for a barca type of approach, which he forgets that it cant be built over nite. so,. let him swallow his pride, call jose, give him all the control of footballing matters, and also SACK THE LIKES OF EMENALO and his bad advisers... and yeah, we shall build a strong club for the future.

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