Rafa Benitez has warned incoming Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho that Roman Abramovich will be running the show when he returns next season.
The interim Chelsea boss, who won the Europa League and led the club to third place in the Barclays Premier League, insists Abramovich is the boss at Stamford Bridge.
Benitez said: 'The most important person at the club is Roman Abramovich.
On the way out: Rafa Benitez will leave Chelsea after the club's friendlies with Manchester City'It will be good for the next manager because he will have a very good team and the owner will bring in new players.
'This is a top side challenging for trophies playing two games a week - this team will challenge for the title next year.
'You take a team in transition, with young players, and now we have left a good team with more experience, more character, scoring goals with more balance.'
Bring back Jose: Chelsea fans show their support for Mourinho (below) who is expected to return to the clubMourinho, who could be fired by Real Madrid at a board meeting later on Monday, left Chelsea in September 2007.
Although relations with Abramovich have improved, there is caution at Chelsea about his appointment because of the Portuguese coach's combustible character.
Benitez picked up a £250,000 bonus for finishing third in the Premier League and guaranteeing Champions League football for Mourinho.
The Spanish coach also revealed at the weekend that Abramovich will blow £100m on summer signings.
Calling the shots: Benitez warned Mourinho that Roman Abramovich is in charge at Chelsea The way they were: Mourinho and Abramovich in 2004 at the start of the Portuguese's reign at Chelsea, during which he won two titles (below)Mourinho (centre) with trophy
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