Rafael Benítez ‘guaranteed’ a good reception from Liverpool fans

Rafael Benítez is “guaranteed” a warm reception from Liverpool fans when Chelsea travel to Anfield on Sunday, according to ex-Reds forward John Aldridge.

The Spaniard takes the Blues to Merseyside at the weekend as they look to consolidate their bid for Champions League qualification.

Benítez led Liverpool to the Champions League and the FA Cup during his time in charge of the Reds between 2004 and 2010.

And former striker Aldridge believes the 52-year-old will receive a good reception – although he ultimately hopes it will prove an unhappy return for the Spaniard.

“Rafael Benítez is guaranteed a good reception when he returns to Anfield with Chelsea this Sunday,” Aldridge wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.

“We all know Rafa still loves the club. His family are settled on Merseyside and he wants his old job back at some point in the future.

“But the reality is that he’s the manager of Chelsea and we have to ensure that Sunday is an unhappy return for him. After the initial welcome, we need our fans focused on getting behind Brendan Rodgers and his team.”