Rafa Benitez Reportedly Fired by Real Madrid
The future of Real Madrid is in serious doubt after the reported firing of Rafa Benitez because of Los Blancos' poor run of form, which includes recent losses in La Liga to Barcelona and Villarreal.
Continue for updates.
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Madrid Sacks Benitez
Monday, Jan. 4
ESPN's SportsCenter reported Real Madrid fired Benitez after holding a meeting to discuss his future. ESPN Stats & Info reported Zinedine Zidane will replace Benitez.
"[President] Florentino Perez has called for an extraordinary meeting of Real Madrid board this afternoon," noted Marca earlier, translated by Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports.
Zidane Rumours Emerge Across Europe
Wednesday, Dec. 16
"L'Equipe's front-page headline screamed that [Castilla coach and former player Zinedine] Zidane [is] 'at the gates of the great Madrid' on Wednesday morning," reported Luke Brown of the Sun.
Brown continued:
"In fact, the paper is so sure Zidane will be appointed that they also published a story on the tactical impact the Frenchman will have.
The Spanish papers have been getting in on the act too, and Zidane is reported to have told one that, whilst he is happy to stay on in his current role of charge of the B Team, he is ready to take over if needed.
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Ronaldo Reportedly Issues Ultimatum
Sunday, Nov. 22
Cristiano Ronaldo "exploded" in protest against Benitez after Nov. 21's 4-0 Clasico defeat, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Spanish outlet Sport.
The Portuguese forward is said to have given Perez a "Benitez or me" ultimatum, per Sport, calling for the dismissal of the Madrid manager.
Balague Comments on Benitez's Future Following El Clasico
Sunday, Nov. 22
"There is no way whatsoever that this kind of performance—we're not even talking about the result...will have no consequences," Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told Sky Sports. "It has to have consequences. That's how Real Madrid works."
Benitez Axe Adds to Familiar Story for Madrid
Following Carlo Ancelotti's dismissal in 2015, axing another manager so soon wouldn't paint a pretty picture of life at the Bernabeu. Perez ruled harshly and to his own tune and as such isn't always held accountable for hiring the wrong manager in the first place.
Benitez's defensive tendencies were well established before he headed to the Bernabeu, where attacking football is a must. Much like David Moyes at Manchester United, a conflict of interest always seemed inevitable.
Seeing Benitez leave so soon wouldn't surprise many people.
