Real Madrid sack Rafa Benitez, appoint new coach

Rafa Benitez has been sacked as Real Madrid manager following a series of unsatisfactory performances.

The club has appointed former Real Madrid player Zinedine Zidane, who was the reserve team coach, to take over on temporary basis as plans are made to get a permanent replacement.

Addressing a press in Madrid Monday night, club president Florentino Perez termed Zidane as a great player who will help the club achieve its goals.

Zidane welcomed the appointment saying he will work diligently to steer the club to greater heights.

“I am going to do everything I can to achieve the best. It’s a very important day for me and I promise to give everything for this club,” said the 43-year-old former France team captain.

The announcement comes a day after Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Valencia in La Liga match played on Sunday.

Benitez has had an unstable reign at Santiago Bernabeu since joining the club in June last year raising speculations over his future.

The 55-year-old Spaniard  took over at the club following the dismissal of Carlo Ancelotti last year, on a 3-year contract. He goes into history as one of the shortest serving managers of recent times, having only been in charge for seven months.

Other managers who had short stints at Real Madrid include Juande Ramos who served for six months, Juan Caro (six months), Mariano Remon (four months), Jose Camacho (four months) and Migeul Minoz (two months).

Real Madrid are currently placed third in the Spanish La Liga table with 37 points from 18 matches, four points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid and two points behind bitter rivals Barcelona.

By @benjaminwafula