Real Madrid president Florentino Perez officially sacked his Italian coach after a disappointing second-half to the 2014-15 season. Ancelotti was widely expected to leave the Spanish capital despite guiding Real to the La Decima last year. Although, the capital club won two trophies this year – The UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup – the Champions League semifinal exit to Juventus and faltering La Liga campaign destroyed their chances of repeating last season’s heroics.
In official statement, Real Madrid president said: “I want to tell you that we have decided to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his duties as Real Madrid coach. It’s been a very difficult decision for the board but as I always say, we haven’t come here to take the easy decisions but the best decisions for the institution.”
“Carlo Ancelotti in these two years, has won the affection of the board and my personal affection and that of the fans. Carlo is part of our history. But as we all know, in Madrid the demands are great. We think it’s time for a new impulse which can allow us to win new titles and achieve our maximal level of competitiveness.”
“With our great team, talent and hard work we can give satisfaction and success to our fans. I want to thank Carlo for his hard work in the last two years and tell him this is still is house and home. Next week we will know the name of the new coach of Real Madrid.”
Real will unveil their new manager next week and Napoli boss Rafa Benitez is the hot favorite to replace Ancelotti. Although president Perez made no concrete comments on who was to replace the Italian, he roused wild speculation when admitted that he would prefer a Spanish speaking coach. AC Milan have set their eyes on Ancelotti as a potential replacement for the faltering Filippo Inzaghi but the Italian seeks to take a year’s sabbatical.
Norwich City are the third club to be promoted to the Premier League, after a 2-0 win against Middlesborough at Wembley, in a relatively easy play-off game. Middlesborough were all over the place, looking rather confused, while Norwich were clinical and professional. Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond scored to take Canaries back to the top-flight, just a year after suffering the drop. Norwich join Bournemouth and Watford to the Premier League, while QPR, Burnley and Hull City are relegated.
Tags: AC Milan Carlo Ancelotti Florentino Perez Real Madrid
