Real Madrid defender Pepe has put on the charm ahead of Rafa Benitez being confirmed as the club’s new manager, labelling him a ‘great coach.’
The Napoli manager, who started his coaching career in the youth team set up at Los Blancos more than 20 years ago, confirmed he would be leaving the Italian side after their final game of the season this weekend.
It almost certainly means his will be installed as the man to take over from Carlo Ancelotti, who was cut loose at the start of this week for the failure to land La Liga or the Champions League.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Pepe said while nothing was confirmed about Benitez, he thought he was a great coach who had done well wherever he’s managed, especially at Liverpool.
“Benitez is a great coach who has done good work wherever he has been, especially with Liverpool. But at the moment it is still press talk, we will have to see what happens in the coming days,” he said.
He added the players were sad to see Ancelotti go though, and wished him well.
“Ancelotti has our affection. His departure leaves us all a bit sad because he was a very good coach. But we must continue our lives and we hope he rests well. Before he left, Ancelotti told us he had really liked working with us and that we were a very good group who had given him great joy in winning La Decima.”
