New Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has reportedly called on former midfielder Boudewijn Zenden to join him at Stamford Bridge as his assistant manager.

The 36-year-old former Netherlands international worked under the Spaniard during a stint at Liverpool in his playing career and has since been out of work after retiring from football last year.

It is believed that Benitez, who was appointed as Roberto Di Matteo's replacement yesterday, has given Zenden his first coaching role, according to the Daily Mail.

Zenden joined the Blues from Barcelona in 2001 and played for the club for three years.