Madrid fire Benitez, hire Zidane

Real Madrid have sacked their manager, Rafa Benitez, seven months after he signed a three-year deal.

Benitez was sacked following a meeting of the management board of the club on Monday, and he was replaced with club legend Zinedine Zidane who will be assisted by Santiago Solari.

Madrid president, Fiorentino Perez, confirmed his sacking at a press conference that is still going on.

“Hello and welcome. I invite you all here today to announce that we have terminated the contract of Rafa Benitez,” Perez said.

“I would like to make it clear that he is a great professional.”

Benitez had fallen out of confidence at Real Madrid, following the spate of poor runs which saw the club fail to pick up wins against Sevilla, Villareal, Barcelona and recently, Valencia, who they drew on Sunday night.

Madrid twice threw away the lead against Gary Neville’s side in Sunday night’s game at the Mestalla, home ground of Valencia, a result which the club dropped them four points behind leaders, Atletico Madrid and trailing Barcelona with two points.

He had received a vote-of-confidence in November from the board, and alleged a campaign against him, the club and president on December 30.

In his seven-month spell, Benitez led Madrid through 18 league games; the club won a total 11, drawing four and losing three with a goal tally of 47 scored and 18 conceded.

He also led the team to six champions league games, winning five and drawing one with a total of 19 goals scored to the three conceded.

While confirming the appointment of Zidane who has been the Team B coach, Perez said: “He is one of the greatest players of all time.”

And looking towards the respected Frenchman, he said: “Zidane, you are from this moment the coach of Real Madrid.”

Zidane, 43, expressed delight with his new role as coach of the senior team at the Bernabeu, saying: “I’m going to do everything I can to make the best for this club.

“It’s a very important day for me. What I can tell you is that I will give everything for this club.

“Ever since I arrived as a player I knew how great this club was.  We have the best fans in the world and the best club in the world and I’ll do everything to win.”