Benitez expects warm welcome from fans on ’emotional’ return to Anfield

Rafael Benitez expects a warm welcome from the home supporters when he returns to Anfield with Chelsea on Sunday.

The interim manager has struggled to win over Blues fans but remains a firm favourite among the Liverpool faithful.

But Benitez, who won the Champions League during a six-year spell as Reds boss, says he remains focused on getting the win his current club need as they look to secure a top-four finish.

He said: “I am a professional and I am committed with Chelsea until the end of the season and we want to achieve our targets and will try to win.

“But in the past, I was with Liverpool fans for six years and we did a lot of things together and I’m sure they will appreciate that.

“At the same time, they will try to support their team and they will understand I have to try to do my best and win.

“I will try to achieve the targets here but I have been there six years and have a lot of friends and a lot of memories, so it will be quite emotional.

“But, again, I think they know me and I will try to concentrate on the game and do my best for the 90 minutes.”

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