Real Madrid drama: Real Reason behind Rafa Benitez's sacking

In contrast to what many have imagined, Real Madrid sacked Benetiz for financial reasons.

New Delhi: The sacking of Rafa Benitez as the manager of Real Madrid seemed purely a sporting reason, until former club President Ramon Calderon reveals the real reason.

In contrast to what many have imagined, Benetiz was sacked for financial reasons, according to reports.

Calderon told Talksport that the club had to get rid of Benitez before next Friday or risk having to pay up an extra year's salary when they fired him, which looked all the more a certainty their recent form and also the trend in Santiago Bernabeu.

"They have sacked him now because, before January 15, they have to pay him only one year’s salary. After that, it would be two. That’s the truth of why they have made the decision now – and only that," he was quoted as saying.

On Monday, club president Florentino Perez announced the sacking of Benitez exactly after seven months after his arrival at the Bernabeu. Perez also said that they have “resolve” Benitez’s contract that had two more seasons left to run.

He has been replaced by Real legend and France's World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane replaced as the manager of club. The Frenchman, who had a fruitful time in the dug-out with former manager Carlo Ancelotti, during their La Decima winning season.

In a below par season so far, Real are in third place behind city rivals Atletico and Barcelona in La Liga table after round 18. Besides, they have exited Copa del Rey thanks to a team composition fiasco. They will play AS Roma in UEFA Champions League round of 16.