Benitez myth buster: Why Rafa's record proves he deserves one of Europe's top jobs

With the Spaniard set to oversee his fourth major European final, his record proves he is still one of the best managers around - even if he is not the right man for Chelsea

Benitez has done a remarkable job in west London, whether Chelsea claim the Europa League title tonight or not. The side he has guided to Amsterdam, plus two domestic cup semi-finals and probably third place in the league, finished last season in sixth position. When he took over from Roberto Di Matteo, the club had fewer points than West Brom.

The Spanish boss has kept Chelsea competitive in the league – they could still have caught Manchester City up until the FA Cup finalists beat Reading in their penultimate game of the season – despite the exit of talismanic spearhead Didier Drogba, and a host of useful squad players. He has led a charge in Europe, got the best out of Juan Mata and injected more youth into the side without disrupting the balance of the squad or angering the Blues' ageing core.

why are these coaches not gunning for arsenal? lol just saying