Real Madrid set to appoint Rafa Benitez as Carlo Ancelotti's successor

Rafael Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti's agent, Ernesto Bronzetti, says it is "99 per cent certain" that Rafa Benitez will replace his client as manager of Real Madrid.

Benitez, who is currently in charge of Napoli, is the strong favourite to take over at the Bernabeu after Ancelotti's sacking was confirmed on Tuesday morning.

"Yes, it's 99 per cent sure it will be him," Bronzetti told Rai Sport when asked if Benitez was the favourite to take charge of Los Blancos.

Speaking after giving Ancelotti his marching orders, Madrid president Florentino Perez said the Italian was dismissed because of the "high demands" of the club.

"It was a very difficult decision to make; the demands at this club are the utmost because Madrid always wants to win silverware," Perez said.

"The affection that the players and the fans have for Carlo is the same as the affection I myself have for him.

"What did Ancelotti do wrong? I don't know. The demands here at Real Madrid are very high."

Ancelotti will now spend a year away from management. He is set to undergo surgery on a back problem and doesn't know when he will be able to return.

He told Italian media: "I will stop for a year, also because I have a very serious reason for stopping.

"I have to have an operation because of my cervical stenosis. For some time, it has been affecting my hands and if I lose any more time, it could pass into legs, so I have an appointment for surgery.

"And, frankly, I do not know how long I have to be physically stopped, in terms of the post-operative phase and the subsequent rehabilitation.”