Florentino Perez says he will name Real Madrid’s new coach next week

Andy West 08:40 26/05/2015
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  • Florentino Perez confirmed the news of Ancelotti's sacking in a press conference at the Bernabeu.

    Carlo Ancelotti has been fired by Real Madrid, club president Florentino Perez confirmed in a press conference at the Bernabeu.

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    The Italian coach had been under pressure following a disappointing second half of the season, which culminated in Los Blancos being knocked out of the Champions League semi-final by Juventus and failing to overcome Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

    Ancelotti, who had been in place for two seasons and had another year remaining on his contract, remained a popular figure until the end, with many supporters giving him a standing ovation when his name was announced before Saturday’s game with Getafe, which proved to be his last in charge.

    Madrid players were also firmly on Ancelotti’s side, with Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Luka Modric among those to publicly express their hopes that he would not be sacked.

    In addition to winning the Champions League last season, Ancelotti ended 2014 with the FIFA Club World Cup to become the first coach in the club’s history to win four trophies in a single calendar year.

    However, a determined Perez would not be swayed, and announced last night: “I would like to inform you that the board has taken the decision to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his post as Real Madrid coach.

    “It was a very difficult decision to make; the demands at this club are the utmost because Madrid always wants to win silverware.

    “The affection that the players and the fans have for Carlo is the same as the affection I myself have for him.

    “What did Ancelotti do wrong? I don’t know. The demands here at Real Madrid are very high.

    “I want to publicly say thank you to Carlo Ancelotti for these two years, for his hard work and all his affection, and tell him this is still his house and his home.”

    Despite reported interest from AC Milan, who are likely to sack Filippo Inzaghi, Ancelotti is set to take time out of the game in order to undergo medical treatment in Canada.

    “I am going to take a year out,” Ancelotti said before the announcement of his departure from the Bernabeu.

    “I have good reason to do so. I need an operation on spinal stenosis. I have been getting pins and needles in my hands and if I put it off any longer, it could move to my legs.

    “I’ve already got an appointment with the surgeon and I don’t know how long I’ll be physically unable to work.”

    Perez must now decide who to appoint to replace the outgoing Italian boss, with Napoli’s Rafa Benitez, ex-Borussia Dortmund chief Jurgen Klopp, Sevilla boss Unai Emery and current Madrid B team coach Zinedine Zidane also linked to the job.

    Former Liverpool boss Benitez is the favourite for the post, despite a moderate season with Napoli which saw the Italian club knocked out of the Champions League preliminary phase by Athletic Bilbao and currently on course for a fourth-place finish in Serie A.

    But Benitez is featuring low down in most polls asking Madrid fans to name their preferred appointment, and Perez will face heavy pressure to justify his decision to axe Ancelotti if next season does not start well.

    Perez added: “With our great team, talent and hard work, we will be able to give satisfaction and happiness to our fans and our members.

    “Real Madrid is extremely demanding and we believe it is time to give a new impulse that will allow us to win new titles and reach our maximum level.

    “Next week, we will know the name of the new manager of Real Madrid.”

    Once news of his sacking was confirmed Ancelotti took to Twitter to thank everyone associated with the club.

    “I’d like to keep in mind these two fantastic years at Real Madrid. Thanks to the club, the supporters and my players,” said the Italian boss.

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