Pellegrini makes way at Madrid
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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Real Madrid CF have announced the dismissal of coach Manuel Pellegrini after one season in charge as the nine-times European champions ended trophyless for the second year in a row.
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Real Madrid CF have announced the dismissal of Manuel Pellegrini after one season as coach of the club.
The Chilean replaced Juande Ramos on a two-year deal last June, but has lasted just one campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu as Madrid finished trophyless for the second year in succession. Club president Florentino Pérez said: "I want to thank Pellegrini for his professionalism and impeccable dedication, but it's time for a new direction."
Despite spending over €200m on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso last summer, Madrid were unable to advance beyond the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League for the sixth year in succession.
They were knocked out by Olympique Lyonnais after a 1-1 draw at home in the second leg, and the pain was felt particularly keenly given that this season's final was played at the Santiago Bernabéu.
That disappointment was compounded by Madrid finishing runners-up to rivals FC Barcelona, treble winners the season before, in the Liga, while neighbours Club Atlético de Madrid clinched the UEFA Europa League title.
José Mourinho, who led FC Internazionale Milano to victory in the UEFA Champions League final at the Bernabéu on Saturday night, has been tipped to succeed Pellegrini.
