The European managerial merry go round seems to be in full swing, with a host of resignations, sackings and (eventually) appointments accompanying the travails at Fifa in dominating the footballing headlines. Leaving the issues concerning Sepp Blatter and his 'minions' aside, the major managerial gossip seems to centre around Rafa Benitez's expected move from Napoli to Real Madrid next season. The former Liverpool boss seems to have cleared the way for a move back to his homeland, with the announcement that he will leave Napoli after the final game of the season.
Nomadic Benitez
Benitez has lived something of a nomadic existence in recent seasons, never settling too long before moving on to pastures new. True, he enjoyed an extended time in charge at Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, during which time he led the Reds to two Champions League finals, including victory in 2005. However, after leaving Anfield he had only brief spells at Inter Milan and then Chelsea, where he again tasted European success in the Europa League.
Two years at Napoli
A further move to Napoli for the last two seasons has rewarded 55-year-old Benitez with Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup success, in addition to qualification into the Champions League last season. They narrowly lost out in the Europa League semi-final to Dnipro this season, after dropping out of the Champions League earlier on.
Benitez thanked the chairman, the club and the fans for his time in Italy with them. He has quickly been installed as the hot favourite to take over at Real, ahead of the likes of Jurgen Klopp and former crowd favourite Zinedine Zidane.
Ancelotti sacked
The vacant position at Real Madrid has arisen after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked by the Spanish giants earlier this week, after failing to bring them the La Liga title and being knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage this season.
Winning the Champions League the previous year proved to be insufficient reason to retain his services, considering the harsh realities at a club like Real, where continued success is demanded.
Benitez has ties with Real
Benitez has former ties with Real, having joined their academy as a youth player. Despite failing to make it as a player with the club, he returned to them in a coaching capacity in his mid-20s and coached the younger age-group teams. He also coached the reserve team side and had a spell as the assistant manager for the senior side. Having been born in Madrid, he would no doubt welcome the opportunity to return and supervise the galacticos of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and the like. Real would hope that he could replicate his success with Spanish rivals, Valencia, a club that he led to two La Liga titles earlier in his coaching career.