Chelsea set for huge spending spree

May 16, 2013 - 2:41 PM Chelsea will splash out on new players and return even stronger next year, interim manager Rafael Benitez predicted after leading his team to Europa League victory.

Speaking to Spain's Onda Cero radio after their 2-1 win over Benefica on Wednesday night, the outgoing Benitez predicted a bright future for the London team.

"It is clear to me that Chelsea will be much better next year because they will spend 100 million, they will sign three or four players, and the foundation is there, it is a foundation that works well and has a big future," he said.

Benitez said it would be tough to leave the Chelsea players in the hands of another coach.

"I have a very good group of players. They are very committed, they're keen, and they have worked well up to the end," the coach said.

"It is always sad because they are talented young players who are improving," Benitez said, citing in particular Victor Moses, Eden Hazard, Oscar, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Fernando Torres and Oriol Romeu.

But Benitez said he could not confirm that Chelsea's new coach will be Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho, who is widely speculated to be the man taking over at Stamford Bridge.

"I don't know who the next coach will be because it is not for me to say, even if everyone is speculating the same thing," Benitez said.

Source: AAP