Spanish coach Rafael Benitez confirmed on Thursday he will leave Napoli, ending his two-year tenure in charge of the Serie A giants.

The manager leaves with the Partenopei fourth in Serie A ahead of the final game of the season, amid widespread rumours that he’ll take over the vacant managerial role at Real Madrid.

Napoli provided confirmation of Benitez’s departure, as translated by AS‘ Nicholas Rigg:

Spanish news outlet Sport reports Benitez will be officially named as Madrid’s new manager, following the axing of Carlo Ancelotti, next week.

Benitez had previously been linked with the job at Liverpool, as Brendan Rodgers’ future hangs in the balance.

Rumours that Benitez would rejoin the Anfield superclub date back to November when Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian speculated about the coach’s return to the north-west side, quoting that bookies had slashed his odds to 6-1 to make a dramatic return.

The 55-year-old is still considered a hero on Merseyside after claiming Liverpool’s fifth European Cup crown in 2004-05. The Reds famously came back from the jaws of defeat to beat AC Milan in a dramatic final, after being 3-0 down at half-time, securing Benitez’s legend at the club.

Benitez has had two high-profile appointments between his glory years with Liverpool and his failed exploits in Italy. 

The coach was appointed manager of Inter Milan after leaving the Reds—a team who were the reigning champions of Europe—but he lasted just six months after a string of disastrous performances saw his reputation in tatters at the San Siro.

In 2012, Benitez saw himself take over as boss of Chelsea who, like Inter, were the Champions League holders. His appointment was widely condemned by Blues fans in and around Stamford Bridge, and despite winning the Europa League, he was once again sacked at the end of the campaign.

One good trait Benitez brings with him to the anticipated Madrid role is a defensive know-how, but the primary negative is his teams do not play the most attractive blend of football. 

Nevertheless, Thursday’s confirmation of his departure from Napoli brings that dream move to the Bernabeu ever closer.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1FifYI2
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J