Last Updated: Sat, 02 Feb 2013 09:57
Rafa Benitez says he is "confident" that Chelsea will qualify for next season's Champions League via a top four Premier League finish.
The Spanish tactician, who was drafted in as interim coach when Roberto Di Matteo was sacked back in November, has endured a difficult time in trying to bring winning football to last season's European champions.
Indeed Benitez's record over 12 games has seen him pick up less points than Di Matteo did which has left the Blues virtually out of the title race for this season as they sit 13 points behind leaders Manchester United and six adrift of second-placed Manchester City.
Therefore, going into the clash with Newcastle this weekend, Benitez is focused on securing Champions League football at Stamford Bridge next season and he believes they will end up in a top-four spot.
"At the moment I am confident we can do it," Benitez said. "We're in the top three at the moment, doing well. I have confidence that we have enough quality and, with the players coming back, we'll have enough options to manage the games, win more games in a row and be in the top four."
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
