Real Madrid sack their coach

By European Football
December 4 2005

Vanderlei Luxemburgo has been sacked by Real Madrid after less than a year in charge. The board has decided to let him go after the constant bad performances shaped the idea that they would be far from winning any titles this season. Capello, Mourinho and Rafa Benítez could replace him. Juan Ramón López Caro, Real Madrid Castilla (first team reserves) trainer, will take the seat provisionally. He is seen as the right man for the job at the moment, and he will be in charge until a new coach is found looking towards the next season’s project.

The candidates list could be very long, since many names have been mentioned during these past months like Carlo Ancelotti and Ottmar Hitzfeld, but the main favourites remain Fabio Capello, José Mourinho and Rafa Benítez.

The decision has been confirmed by Emilio Butragueño, Madrid’s vice-president and sporting director, after the board meeting, and said:

“[justifying the decision] The team’s performances were not up to the expectations.”

“It was a difficult decision, but the situation of the team had reached a point in which a change was needed.”

“[about the new coach] In the following weeks, more calmly, a definite decision will be made.”

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