Chelsea: Rafael Benitez 'pleased' if Pep Guardiola took over

Rafael Benitez says he would be pleased to hand over the Chelsea manager's job to Pep Guardiola if he wins trophies during his interim stint in charge.

Last month, ex-Liverpool boss Benitez replaced Roberto Di Matteo as coach until the end of the season.

Guardiola has been out of a job since leaving Barcelona last summer.

"Guardiola has a fantastic record," Benitez told BBC Sport's Richard Conway. "If he comes and we've won a lot of trophies, I'll be very pleased."

Former Liverpool manager Benitez was speaking in Japan ahead of Sunday's Club World Cup final against Brazilian side Corinthians.

Guardiola decided to take some time out after winning his 14th trophy in four years as Barcelona coach in May.

When asked how he would feel if owner Roman Abramovich asked him to leave at the end of the season, Benitez said: "When I decided to come, I knew I was signing a contract for six or seven months so I was not thinking about more after these seven months."

Benitez has had a hostile reception since taking over at Stamford Bridge, but the 52-year-old believes he can win over fans.

"I understand the feelings of the fans because of the rivalry between both clubs (Liverpool and Chelsea)," he said.

"After the improvement of the team, the way I will play [and] the style I will have, I think a lot of fans will say: 'Maybe we were too hard and we have to give him the chance to bring the confidence back to the team and the fans'."

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says he feels he has "two or three years at least" left as a top-level footballer.

The England international, 34, has had an injury-hit season and made only his second appearance since recovering from a calf problem when he came off the bench against Monterrey on Thursday.

Lampard, who spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge, is out of contract at the end of the season and has failed to agree to an extension.

"I feel like I have two or three years at least in me at the top level," he said. "It is not for me to decide on this one. It's up to the club.

"Whatever happens, I have had a great time at Chelsea. I am determined to play a few more years and see what pans out in the near future.

"Maybe things don't last forever. Although I want it to last forever, you have to be big enough to know what it is."