Fabio Capello denies Chelsea approach

LONDON. March 4. KAZINFORM Fabio Capello has denied that Chelsea have approached him with regard to taking over from the under-fire interim manager Rafael Benitez.

Reports in Italy over the weekend suggested that Roman Abramovich had sounded out the former England coach, who is now in charge of Russia, following Benítez's outburst last week against a section of Chelsea supporters who continue to oppose his appointment, as well as his bosses, for burdening him with the title "interim".

In February 2009 Guus Hiddink, then the manager of Russia, took over at Chelsea on a short-term basis, while continuing to perform his existing duties. The club won the FA Cup and also secured qualification for the following season's Champions League, Kazinform refers to the Guardian.

But Capello, speaking to an Italian radio station, is adamant that there has been no contact. "I have not received an offer," he said. "I am thinking about the Russian national team, and I feel very happy in Moscow."

Capello accepted his present job after Euro 2012, just six months after resigning as England manager.