ffRAFA BENITEZ insists he is taking the Europa League seriously ahead of Chelsea’s last-32 tie at Sparta Prague tomorrow.
Former boss Roberto Di Matteo was shown the exit door after the Champions League holders were dumped out of Europe’s premier competition earlier this season.
And interim manager Benitez is desperate not to downplay the importance of the Europa League.
He said: “This is a massive city, massive club and a massive competition.
“We are really pleased to be here. Obviously, you cannot change things. The Champions League is a massive competition, but the Europa League is also a massive competition.
“We play against an historic team. We’re really pleased and, for me, I try to give my players the right message.
“We know it will be tough. It’s against a great team, a great club and a great city.”
The Spaniard's contract at Stamford Bridge runs out at the end of the season but he dismissed talk of his future at the club.
He said: “We have to concentrate on the future and the future is tomorrow.
“I cannot talk about what will happen in three months’ time. We have to concentrate on this competition — it’s quite difficult — and tomorrow will be a tough game, so that is my priority.”
Captain John Terry could return to face Sparta after missing the Premier League win over Wigan last weekend.
David Luiz is suspended while Demba Ba is ineligible and Nigerian duo Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel left at home after the African Cup of Nations .
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