Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has played down his past relationship with Rafael Benitez ahead of his side's League Cup quarter-final tie against Chelsea at Elland Road on Wednesday.

Warnock slammed his Spanish counterpart for fielding a depleted Liverpool team against Fulham in their final away game of the season in 2006-07.

Fulham's 1-0 win that day saw them survive in the Premier League at the expense of Sheffield United, who were then managed by Warnock.

The 64-year-old's subsequent public criticism of Benitez forced the Spaniard's legal team to send him an email threatening him against any further comment.

"Enough water's passed under the bridge," Warnock told reporters. "I don't want to give you any more ammunition than you've already got.

"It's one of those things that disappoints you in life and you have to get on with it really, but you get disappointments in every walk of life and I've made my feelings clear on how my feelings have been over the last few years and nothing will change that.

"I think [the email] had his name on, I think it was his solicitor who was threatening legal action and I've got it in a scrapbook at home. I've no idea (if they will shake hands), I haven't thought about it yet, I was too worried about Ipswich (last Saturday)."

Warnock was appointed the Leeds manager in February 2012.