adminReal Madrid vice-president Eduardo Fernandez de Blas has revealed the club’s intention to appoint Rafael Benitez as coach, hailing him as one of the world’s best.
Benitez is widely anticipated to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu, after the Italian was sacked on Monday following a season in which the club missed out on the league and Champions League titles.
Fernandez de Blas is reported as telling a meeting of a Madrid members’ group: “Ancelotti is an absolute phenomenon – a gentleman whom I have great affection for, and I think everyone else at Real Madrid does too.
“Until three days ago he was the best trainer in the world, as two years ago it was Jose Mourinho, and from this week onwards it will be Rafa Benitez.
“I’m excited and looking forward to July 30 to see how the best players in the world work under an exceptional coach.”
The executive added that, despite his sacking, Ancelotti’s reputation has been boosted by his time in the Spanish capital.
“Carlo now has more to his name than when he came, but we’re here to make decisions, which we think are best for the club. We live and die by them.”
Former Valencia, Liverpool, Inter and Chelsea boss Benitez announced his impending exit from Serie A side Napoli on Thursday.
Yesterday’s clash with Lazio marked his final game as Napoli coach, with a place in next season’s Champions League on the line. — AP
Online Reporter