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Rafael Benitez happy to make way for Pep Guardiola at Chelsea

Rafael Benitez would be happy for Pep Guardiola to succeed him as Chelsea boss in the summer if he wins trophies with the Blues this season.

Rafael Benitez has revealed that he would not be aggrieved if Pep Guardiola took his role as Chelsea boss in the summer.

Benitez was appointed as an interim successor to Roberto Di Matteo at Stamford Bridge following the Italian's sacking in November.

Former Barcelona coach Guardiola has been a long-term managerial target of Blues owner Roman Abramovich, but is currently enjoying a year-long break from the game after leaving the Nou Camp at the end of last season.

It is widely believed that Benitez is keen to secure the full-time position, but the 52-year-old would happily step aside for Guardiola if he has had a successful campaign in temporary charge.

"Guardiola has a fantastic record. If he comes and we've won a lot of trophies, I'll be very pleased," Benitez told BBC Sport.

"Everybody is talking about Guardiola - Guardiola this, Guardiola that - but Guardiola is just one man, he can go to just one club.

"When I decided to come, I knew I was signing a contract for six or seven months, so I was not thinking about more after these seven months."

Guardiola is also reportedly being courted by AC Milan, Manchester City, Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

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