Former Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez has shown interest in the vacant manager's position at Chelsea after he emerged as the favourite to succeed Roberto Di Matteo. Following the announcement of Di Matteo's sacking by Blues owner Roman Abramovich on Wednesday morning, Benitez stated: "I have just found out [about Di Matteo]. Obviously Chelsea is a top side and they can compete for trophies so it goes in this category. "In football a lot of people are talking so we will see what happens in the next few days. I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies and Chelsea is one of these clubs." Benitez has been tipped to take the top job alongside former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, who is, however, unwilling to cut his year-long sabbatical short. The 52-year-old has been a free agent since his exit from Inter Milan in 2010 after spending a mere six months at the San Siro. Furthermore, he stated his openness saying: "I have to talk with my agent and see what he has been doing the last couple of days. But I am just trying to go to a team that can win. So we will find ways to have a challenge like this."