Real Madrid sack Ancelotti

MADRID — Some of Real Madrid’s key players have rallied around coach Carlo Ancelotti (picture) after the Italian was made the scapegoat for a season without major trophies and sacked yesterday.

Top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo had already signalled his support for Ancelotti on Saturday, the Portugal forward saying he hoped to work with him again next season.

President Florentino Perez decided, however, that “a new impetus” was needed and fired Ancelotti two years into a three-year contract. The decision, taken only a year after Ancelotti guided Real to their historic 10th European Cup triumph, prompted several important figures in the dressing room to show their appreciation for the coach on Twitter.

“Thanks for everything boss,” Real’s Brazil leftback Marcelo wrote. “You are really great.”

Germany midfielder Toni Kroos added: “Thank you boss. It was a pleasure to work with you. I wish you all the best for the future.”

Ancelotti has said he plans to take a year off and will also have surgery in Vancouver, Canada to correct a neck condition that was causing tingling in his hands. Rafael Benitez, who is currently in charge of Napoli, is widely expected to be Ancelotti’s successor at the Bernabeu.

The unavailability of the two experienced individuals is said to have dashed the hopes of West Ham United, who are reportedly on the hunt for a marquee manager following Sam Allardyce’s departure from the club.

West Ham are yet to give up on either David Moyes or Jurgen Klopp, although Moyes has publicly insisted he is staying at Real Sociedad and German sources claim Klopp could take six months off.

Former Denmark international and former Swansea manager Michael Laudrup appeared to rule out a move to West Ham or Newcastle United last week by saying he was not interested in returning to England with a mid-table club.

But friends of the Dane insist he was not referring to West Ham or Newcastle, and is aware that both clubs have great potential. West Ham will move into the Olympic Stadium next year, while Newcastle average more than 50,000 fans for home games and are a club that can challenge higher up the table.

Brendan Rodgers would move on to the Hammers’ radar if he is sacked by Liverpool, though that looks unlikely at this point in time.

Anfield officials are adamant that Sunday’s horrific 6-1 defeat to Stoke will not impact Rodgers’ future as he prepares for talks on how to revive the club next season. The Northern Irishman felt emboldened enough to say he was “150 per cent” sure he would remain in charge before the weekend. AGENCIES