Former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Boudewijn Zenden will be appointed as Rafa Benitez’s assistant until the end of the season at Stamford Bridge, according to his agent.

The ex-Netherlands international played for Chelsea between 2001-04, before being brought to Anfield by Benitez in 2005, where he played for two seasons.

The new position will mark Zenden’s first coaching role of any kind in his career, with his representative claiming discussion between the 36-year-old and Benitez started as soon as the latter was confirmed as Chelsea’s interim manager.

“He was approached on Wednesday by Benitez and is now on a flight [to London],” says Zenden’s agent and father Pierre Zenden to VI.nl.

“Since yesterday he phoned Benitez many times. I assume that he will be on the pitch this afternoon, together with the manager. I assume he will finish the season, just like Benitez.”

Benitez was appointed as Roberto Di Matteo’s replacement yesterday – on a deal which will run right up until the end of the season – with the club currently third in the Premier League table.

The former Liverpool and Valencia manager’s first game in charge of the club will be Sunday’s clash with league leaders and Premier League champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.