With a trophyless season in 2014/15 Real Madrid have yet again acted swiftly to remove their manager regardless of his notoriety in world football. For many, Carlo Ancelotti belongs in the upper echelons of elite football managers currently plying their trade in club football.

Rafa Benitez appointed new Real Madrid manager

However, not even helping guide Real Madrid to another European Champions League crown last season was enough to save him from the sack. Two seasons was enough for Florentino Perez to initiate change in the managerial department. His predecessor Jose Mourinho only lasted 3 years at the helm under the pragmatic president.

Replacing the articulate Italian is Spaniard Rafa Benitez. This week the ex-Napoli boss was unveiled as Real Madrid’s new manager. The response from the media and fans was a fairly subdued one. Benitez arguably doesn’t bring the same star qualities Madrid are used to in their managerial appointments.

There will be undoubted pressures upon Benitez immediately at the Santiago Bernabeu – none more so than the task of trying to acquire the next Galatico. One of the names rumoured to be first on the list of signings is Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea as they look towards the long-term in a bid to replace veteran, Iker Casillas. Also rumoured to be under consideration is French wonderkid Paul Pogba, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Dortmund’s Marco Reus.

Failure to deliver in his first season at Madrid will ultimately see Benitez exit Madrid. Benitez will also be aware of the long-term plan that Perez has of installing Madrid icon, Zinedine Zidane as the club’s manager. Currently the France World Cup winner is managing Real Madrid Castilla and is being groomed to eventually take over the first team squad when Perez feels he’s ready for the pressures of one of world football’s most coveted managerial positions.

For now though, all responsibilities will be handed over to Benitez. With Barcelona looking the strongest they have since the Pep Guardiola regime, Benitez will need to be active this summer to bolster the Madrid ranks. He’ll also need the full backing of his superstars to turn around the fortunes of the European giants. If not, well, we know what will happen…

Tags: Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti, Champions League, Football, Galatico, Manager, Manchester City, Manchester United, Napoli, Rafa Benitez, Real Madrid