 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Real Madrid vice-president Eduardo Fernandez de Blas inadvertently dropped the strongest indication yet that Rafael Benitez will replace Carlos Ancelotti as the club's new head coach for the next season.
Spaniard Benitez has already confirmed that he would leave Napoli after their final Serie A game against Lazio played on Sunday night.
According to a report in as.com, speaking at a Madrid fans' meeting on Saturday, De Bla said: "Carlo Ancelotti is a phenomenon. We’re eternally grateful to him. For me, up to three days ago he was the best coach in the world, as was Jose Mourinho a couple of years ago and as of next week it will be Rafa Benítez.”
De Blas was heckled during his speech by a number of attendees who were anxious to show their displeasure with the departure of Italian coach Ancelotti and with the continuation of Gareth Bale at the club.
Whilst De Blas spoke, a club member interrupted him stating: “You’ve sacked the best coach!”
De Blas replied: “He was an exceptional coach, a gentleman and a person I’m very fond of and that is something shared by most Madrid fans...”
The club member wasn’t happy with this reason and replied: “So, then why sack him?”
De Blas, finally more relaxed, finished his speech: “I’m looking forward to July 30 when we see the best 30 players in the world at the disposition of the best coach in the world...”
Image: SSC Napoli coach Rafael Benitez gestures
Photograph: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images