There have been rumours circulating online that Rafael Benitez has been sacked from his position as manager of Real Madrid, with the club expected to confirm the move in a press conference later today.
Rafa's time at Real Madrid is up...
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 4, 2016
It could happen this afternoon https://t.co/qYrD4nWvHR
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 4, 2016
Former France and Real player Zinedine Zidane is rumoured to be his replacement.
The Spaniard is still in his first season with the club, having signed a three-year deal with them in June 2015.
The club currently lie third in the La Liga table, a point behind eternal rivals Barcelona - who have a game in hand and four behind leaders Madrid neighbours Atlético Madrid.
Last night they were held to a 2-2 draw by Valencia, currently managed by former Manchester United and England player Gary Neville.
Was this the man who pushed Rafa Benitez over the edge at Real Madrid? pic.twitter.com/cFExDV9VdL
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 4, 2016
There has been no confirmation as yet from the club or manager, but that hasn’t stopped Twitter going into overdrive.
BREAKING: Rafa Benitez has been sacked by @RealMadrid https://t.co/CHBIrd9iez
— The Sun Dream Team (@dreamteamfc) January 4, 2016
"And can Rafa Benitez do THIS?!" -Zidane's job interview pic.twitter.com/7BIa2T4ir0
— COPA90 US (@Copa90US) January 4, 2016
The end is nigh for ‘Walking Dead’ Rafa Benitez at #RealMadrid... pic.twitter.com/3G1vb4i9hL
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 4, 2016
Rumours spreading fast Rafa Benitez has been/is about to be fired by Real Madrid... pic.twitter.com/xf2ie7BDoQ
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) January 4, 2016
Sad that this was Benitez's dream job but he mostly got it because of the structural mess Madrid are in rather than his own recent work.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) January 4, 2016