Rafael Benitez Likely to be Named Real Madrid Coach
Rafael Benitez, the current Napoli boss, is the favourite to replace Carlo Ancelotti, whose sacking was confirmed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez on Monday evening.
It is looking more and more likely that Rafael Benitez will be named the new coach of Real Madrid as the replacement to Carlo Ancelotti next week. (Ancelotti Sacked as Coach of Real Madrid)
The current Napoli boss is the favourite to replace Ancelotti, whose sacking was confirmed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez on Monday evening. Perez, not for the first time in his reign as president, said Real Madrid needed a "new impulse" and Benitez is increasingly looking like the chosen man to provide it, reports Xinhua. (Barcelona Dominate La Liga Team of the Season)
Benitez began his coaching career in the Madrid youth system before moving on to coach clubs such as Valencia, Liverpool and Chelsea. Even Ancelotti's agent, Ernesto Bronzetti believed that it's a done deal.
"It's 99 percent certain Benitez will coach Real Madrid," said Bronzelli. (Dani Alves Opens Door to Barcelona Departure)
When asked about Ancelotti's future, he confirmed the coach would take a year off work in order to undergo back surgery.
"That is his intention," he said, adding that when the news of his client's sacking was confirmed, some Real Madrid players "cried".
Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday made a public support to Ancelotti by publishing a tweet in which he said he "hoped to work" with him next season.