Rafa Benitez Unaware He'd Been Fired When Zinedine Zidane Named Real Madrid Boss

Rafa Benitez was unaware he had been sacked as Real Madrid boss when he first heard the news of Zinedine Zidane's appointment to the job, according to a report in Marca.

Originally, Benitez had been called in to the Santiago Bernabeu on Monday afternoon. At that point, the information he received was that no decision had been taken on his future. Benitez then opted against going in to the club to avoid paparazzi taking his picture as he entered the stadium.

The report then adds that when news filtered through to him that the Zidane family were all present at the Bernabeu, he was surprised—but evidently not shocked—to discover what awaited him.

"One more thing they've done to me," Benitez told those close to him (via Marca) when Zidane was announced as Real's new manager later that day.

[h/t Marca]