"Chelsea are a top side, so I am really pleased for this reason," he said. "It makes me even happier watching the players training, working so hard and winning. After the Club World Cup in Japan, we have won games and showed real character." After his first month in the job, Benítez also spoke enthusiastically of his re-immersion in the English football culture. "Everyone has passion and you can see it all around the country.
"In England, football is something special. Everyone has passion and you can see it all around the country. Every game is important and you enjoy football. I was in Italy and I remember an interview with [former Italy striker] Marco Di Vaio who said that you could go with your family to matches in England and Spain. It is entertainment, something safe. As a father I am pleased you can go to games together."
Benítez can expect an effusive reception from his disciples in Liverpool. In 2007, amid rumours that he was about to be sacked by the then American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, a online petition calling for him to stay attracted more than 50,000 signatures. Even his children became Liverpool supporters. Benítez's wife, Motse, once said of Agata: "She is always coming home from school with stories about the Evertonians in her class."
Benítez, with his new-found Chelsea allegiance, was coy about the subject ahead of the Everton game. Pressed on whether his two girls were still Liverpool fans, he smiled and said: "They are Rafa fans."
Deftly avoiding the question of whether he might still be tempted to take a second stint in charge of Liverpool, he said: "You never know what can happen. I have a good relationship with the fans, the city, but I am a good professional and that means I will give 100 per cent for this club."
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