Soccer Rumors: Napoli Scramble to Keep Rafael Benitez as Real Madrid Set to Replace Carlo Ancelotti
Napoli has one more game against Lazio before the Italian Serie A season ends but it seems that management's head is far from the upcoming match.
Word is out that manager Rafael Benitez is keen on moving to Real Madrid following Carlo Ancelotti's termination, and Napoli is doing its best to keep the Spanish coach from leaving.
When news of Ancelotti's release went public, many speculated that the Spanish coach would be the best replacement for Real Madrid. Some reports have said that while no contract has been signed, the negotiations to have Benitez on board are almost a done deal.
Even the agent of sacked manager Ancelotti seems to think so. Ernesto Bronzetti, who represents the Italian manager, spoke to RAI Sport and said that he is "99 percent" certain Benitez would take over the vacant position.
The 55-year-old seemed to be the best replacement for Ancelotti with his professional experience. He previously coached the youth and reserve team of Real Madrid and was also assistant coach to the senior team.
Before the news of Ancelotti's termination, Benitez' agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, spoke to the TV station Cuatro to address rumors.
"There is nothing at the moment. Just a general rumor," said Garcia Quilon. "Rafa has been a Madrid player, a Madrid [youth] coach, and is from Madrid - so who would be upset by that? I am not inside his head, but I would imagine he would be delighted to coach Real Madrid at some time."
Meawhile, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis expressed his desire to have the Spanish coach continue managing the team after his contract ends in June, reported the Associated Press.
"I told him, 'You can stay one more year of five more years, if you're able to convince your family,'" said De Laurentiis. The club president revealed that Benitez has been eyeing the Premier League as his daughter is set to enter Oxford University soon.
Benitez has yet to make a comment on the matter.
His team, Napoli, have already called a news conference on May 28 and many believe that it would involve announcement on the Spanish coach's future.
"President Aurelio De Laurentiis announced this afternoon that in a few hours time there would be some news. That news is that at 1300 [local time] on Thursday, there will be a press conference held by the club president, alongside Rafael Benitez," said a statement on the club's official website.
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