LONDON, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chelsea had appointed Rafael Benitez as their interim team manager until the end of the season after the reigning European champions sacked Roberto di Matteo, the club announced on Wednesday.

Di Matteo was fired after Tuesday's 3-0 defeat by Juventus in Turin left Chelsea facing elimination at the group stage of the Champions League.

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm Rafael Benitez has been appointed interim first-team manager until the end of the season," said a club statement.

"The owner (Abramovich) and the board believe that in Benitez we have a manager with significant experience at the highest level of football, who can come in and immediately help deliver our objectives.

The 52-year-old Spaniard is due to meet Chelsea's players at the club's training ground in Cobham, south of London, on Thursday.