Madrid, June 15 (IANS) Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos says club president Florentino Perez was wrong to sack Carlo Ancelotti as coach, but nonetheless feels Rafael Benitez is a fine replacement.
Ancelotti arrived at Real in the summer of 2013 and won the Copa del Rey and Champions League in his first season at the helm. However, he failed to retain either title last term, while Real were also beaten to the La Liga title by great rivals Barcelona, prompting Perez to part company with the Italian trainer.
Italian football club Napoli coach Benitez, who started his coaching career in the Spanish capital, was quickly named as Ancelotti’s successor and Carlos believes the ex-Liverpool manager is the right man for the job.
“I didn’t agree with Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, just like I didn’t agree when Vicente del Bosque and Jupp Heynckes were sacked back in the days. You have to let coaches do their work, but it’s Florentino’s decision; he’s in charge,” Brazilian Carlos, 42, was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca on Sunday.
“Benitez is in a fine period of his career and can do very well at Real Madrid. He’s a good choice; he’s a good coach and he knows the club inside out. I wish him the best: it’s not an easy job,” the former left-back, who played 370 matches for Real between 1996 and 2007, said.
Just like Ancelotti, winger Gareth Bale came in for a lot of criticism last season but Carlos feels that the Welshman has been unfairly maligned.
“I hope he doesn’t leave. He’s done fantastically up to now. Sometimes players can make statements or comments that can have a negative effect, but in my view he’s a fantastic player,” Carlos, who was a crucial memeber of the Brazilian team that captured the 2002 FIFA World Cup, concluded.