Twitter Reacts as Real Madrid Give Backing to Rafa Benitez

As a consequence of the thorough beating they were handed by Barcelona in Saturday's Clasico, Real Madrid called a press conference for Monday evening.

"

Florentino Peréz: “Benítez has just started working here, and we are convinced that he will win many titles here at Real Madrid."

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) November 23, 2015"

Some expected that club president Florentino Perez would use the media gathering as an opportunity to relieve manager Rafa Benitez of his duties. However, the Spanish boss was given firm backing:

"

Florentino Peréz: “I have said it before, and will say it again: Rafa Benítez is the right person."

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) November 23, 2015"

There was no shortage of instant reaction to the news on Twitter, much of it making light of the situation:

"

So Benitez ISN'T getting the sack! Florentino Pérez (Real President) has just held a press conference to announce it pic.twitter.com/9F2t2MEi5O

— Bookie Insiders (@Bookieinsiders) November 23, 2015"

"

Barcelona fans when they heard, Benitez is staying pic.twitter.com/PmCQrJ4vLv

— Troll Football (@Troll__Football) November 23, 2015"

Real Madrid's fanbase, meanwhile, seemed unimpressed by the prospect of Benitez remaining in charge:

"

Rafa was sent by Barca to destabilize the great club.  https://t.co/Qfi4Zj4qwl

— TheBishop. (@NdumisoMbatha_) November 23, 2015"

"

I've never hated anyone as much as I hate Benitez

— manthony (@sixxgawd) November 23, 2015"

Naturally, many regarded the press conference as a stay of execution rather than a backing:

Shortly after the press conference, "Florentino Perez" started trending on Twitter in the UK:

"

Imagine Florentino Perez not firing Rafa Benitez after 6 months

— Eliane Dagher (@DagherEliane) November 23, 2015"

"

Pérez always does the same. Campaign against me = campaign against Madrid. It works because most fans have a with me or against me mentality

— migeru (@migerucb) November 23, 2015"

"

I didn't start hating on Perez when he sacked Carlo. I started hating him when he sold Di Maria.

— Serdar R (@Rexhepos) November 23, 2015"

The knock-on effect of the news remains to be seen, but it seems like Manchester United fans are feeling excited: