Real Madrid names Rafael Benitez manager
Former Napoli and Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will be named the manager of Real Madrid on Wednesday, the club announced.
The team says Benitez signed a three-year deal.
Benitez, 55, ended two-year campaign with Napoli after a 4-2 home defeat by Lazio on Sunday. Napoli finished fifth in the Serie A standings and will miss out on a Champions League spot next season.
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“I have spent two unforgettable years in Naples enjoying a unique, beautiful city with a superb location,” Benitez said on his website. “I enjoyed the people and the lifestyle of neapolitans. Now as I say goodbye I would like to thank each and every one of you for the special times I spent there."
He replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who was left go last week just a year after winning the Champions League.
Benitez previously coached Liverpool from 2004 to 2010, winning the Champions League in 2005, and also led Valencia to two La Liga titles, a UEFA Cup championship in 2004 and Europa League title two years ago at Chelsea.
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Real Madrid finished second in the La Liga standings this season, two points behind Barcelona.
- Scooby Axson
