Real Madrid have sacked Carlo Ancelotti as the club's manager after two seasons at the Bernabeu helm.
The Italian tactician led Los Blancos to Copa del Rey and Champions League success last season, but came up short in the current campaign with Real Madrid finishing second in La Liga and exiting the Champions League at the semi-final stage.
Ancelotti has now paid the price for Real Madrid ending the campaign without a major trophy and has been relieved of his duties.
Current Napoli coach Rafael Benitez is the front runner to replace Ancelotti and talks are already thought to have taken place between the Spaniard's representatives and Real Madrid.
Ancelotti meanwhile has declared his intention to take a year out of football before returning to management.
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The Italian is planning to have back surgery as he has an issue with his spine.
The former AC Milan coach took charge of Real Madrid in 2013 after a spell with French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
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