Real fire Ancelotti
Coach axed following disappointing season, Benitez tipped for post
Madrid, May 26: Real Madrid fired their coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday as the popular Italian paid for a disappointing season without a major trophy.
Ancelotti, 55, had lead Real to their 10th elite European title last season but was sacked after the club finished runners- up to Barcelona in La Liga and lost to Juventus in the semi- finals of this year’s Champions League.
Club president Florentino Perez told a news conference at the club’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium that the services of the former AC Milan, Chelsea and Paris St Germain coach were no longer required.
“The board of directors has taken the decision to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his duties as coach of Real Madrid,” Perez said.
“It has been a very hard decision... But Real Madrid is extremely demanding and we believe it is time to give a new impetus to the club,” Perez continued.
The mild- mannered Ancelotti took to Twitter immediately after the announcement to thank the players and fans for the memories.
“What remains for me is the memory of two fantastic years at Real Madrid,” he said. “Thanks to the club, to the fans and to my players.”
Ancelotti, who succeed Jose Mourinho as Real boss in June 2013, leaves Madrid having failed to convert a record run of victories last year into silverware at the end of this season.
Madrid however are now preparing to welcome a new coach with media reporting that Napoli’s Spanish coach Rafael Benitez is among the favourites.
“It would be very good if he speaks Spanish,” said Perez, indicating that an announcement would be made next week.