Even Ancelotti didn’t enjoy such level of grace. In what has been described as a shocking move by football fans worldwide, under-fire Real Madrid coach, Rafa Benitez has received the full backing of the club’s President, Florentino Perez. The future of the ex Liverpool manager had been in doubt following the club’s humiliating defeat to rival, Barcelona on Saturday.

In a Press conference today, Perez told reporters that Benitez was chosen because of his wealth of experience and professionalism and should Working to achieve his objective.

 “We have had a board meeting and analysed the sporting situation at Real Madrid and Rafa has all our support and all our confidence.

“Rafa Benitez has all the ability and has only just started his job here. Let him keep working and he will achieve his objectives.

“The players did not lack attitude. The team played badly but we cannot question their attitude in such an important game.

“Rafael Benitez is the chosen one to bring success to this squad that since January has struggled and now more than ever he needs the support of all of our followers.

“We offer full support for our coach who will be capable of turning this situation around. The team has suffered a deterioration since January.

“I understand the unhappiness and the anger of the fanbase with what happened on Saturday, but I ask them that they support the team.

“I am talking about this moment we are in now, I cannot say what will happen in the future – nobody knows what could happen in six months,” said Perez.

“We are convinced that we have a great squad that will give much happiness to a fanbase that deserves everything.

“We chose Rafa with confidence he could turn it around.

“I did not back Ancelotti, I said that it was not true that if he lost he was out. This is different, the board supports Benitez completely and has complete confidence in him.”