Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has backed Rafael Benitez to succeed if he is appointed the new manager of Chelsea.

The Spaniard has been installed as the favourite by bookmakers to replace Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked earlier today following a poor run of form in the Premier League and Champions League.

Having worked under Benitez for two years at Anfield, the German believes that the former Valencia coach has all the credentials to be successful at Stamford Bridge.

"He's a top-class manager with a fantastic track record," Hamann told talkSPORT. "When you look what he's done in Spain, he's the last person to win the La Liga title from Barcelona and Real Madrid, and he won the UEFA Cup there.

"He had very good success at Liverpool and only the Premier League title eluded him.

"If you look at his record, automatically he will have the respect of his players for what he's done in the past. So, I don't see any issues there."

Benitez is believed to be flying into Heathrow Airport this evening for talks with officials from Chelsea.