• Premier League

Benitez neglected Chelsea's future - Mourinho

ESPN staff
December 13, 2013
Mourinho has had plenty to think about since returning to Chelsea © PA Photos
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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has continued his feud with Rafael Benitez by suggesting his predecessor left Stamford Bridge without considering the long-term future of the squad.

While suggesting he was not criticising Benitez, Mourinho stated he walked into a tougher job when he made his return to West London.

Benitez, now manager of Serie A side Napoli, enjoyed a successful six months with Chelsea before leaving, leading them to Europa League glory and third in the Premier League table during his tenure.

However, with his side trailing current league leaders Arsenal by five points, Mourinho believes the Spaniard did not have the worry of securing future success before he departed.

"This is not a criticism but the last manager Benitez knew he would not be the manager for the next year and he was chasing results," Mourinho told the Evening Standard. "He was not worried about the building of a team with a certain style.

"I didn't have a real base to start. For many reasons we knew the situation needs time and patience.

"But it would be easy to say wait for five, six years, that's not me or Chelsea or what we want for the players. We want to build and chase results. We're not favourites but want to feel as favourites."

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