Sunday, 3rd November, 2013
Napoli head coach Rafael Benitez believes his inclusion on the FIFA World Coach of the Year award shortlist this year is a testament to the good job he did at Chelsea last season.
Benitez masterminded Chelsea's Europa League victory in last campaign, with the London club vanquishing Portuguese giants Benfica in the final in Amsterdam 2-1.
Benitez was widely praised for his conduct at Stamford Bridge, especially considering Chelsea fans slammed the club's decision to appoint the former Liverpool boss to replace Roberto Di Matteo in the early months of last term.
Despite the pressure, Benitez still managed to lead the Stamford Bridge outfit to European glory as well as finishing in the Premier League top three.
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"My nomination means the season I spent with Chelsea was much better than some people may want to remember", Benitez proudly told Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo in an exclusive interview.
"I think the candidates and the winner of such an award have to be an example to the society, apart from just sporting success", Benitez further explained.
Benitez's successor at Stamford Bridge, ex-Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, already had his say on Chelsea's last term, insisting a Europa League win for him is nothing more than a "disappointment".
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