Rafa Benitez accepts he could be moved aside at Chelsea for Pep Guardiola next year.

Benitez was appointed as the temporary manager at Stamford Bridge after Robert Di Matteo was relieved of his duties in November, but the Spaniard has come under fire from the Chelsea fans, who feel that Di Matteo has been unfairly treated by owner Roman Abramovich.

Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of Sunday's Club World Cup Final against Brazilian outfit Corinthians, Benitez said: "Guardiola has a fantastic record. If he comes and we've won a lot of trophies, I'll be very pleased."

He also remarked: "When I decided to come, I knew I was signing a contract for six or seven months so I was not thinking about more after these seven months.

"After the improvement of the team, the way I will play and the style I will have, I think a lot of fans will say: 'Maybe we were too hard and we have to give him the chance to bring the confidence back to the team and the fans'."