RAFA Benitez believes he is leaving behind a Cheslea side capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season.

Benitez will take charge of his final league game as Chelsea manager on Sunday when Everton are the visitors to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues were never really in contention for the past two seasons as the two Manchester sides have battled it out, but Benitez reckons he is leaving his successor a squad in rude health.

He said: “It's a very good group of players, and I think the club will add some more. I am sure they will try to improve, and the team will be better because they will have more experience, and new players can come in and push.

'The problem we had this year was too many games. Two games a week for the whole season is difficult. If you played less competition, I think you can manage better, and with fresh legs, win even more games.

“It's always sad when you have a group growing, improving and winning, and then you have to go. But we knew, so we just have to be ready for the next game, and then the trip to America.” 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest Chelsea news.