As Carlo Ancelotti leaves the Bernabeu and Benitez takes his place, the rumored starting XI for Real Madrid has consumed the media. It is expected that the former Chelsea and Liverpool boss will look into the Premier League’s talent to complete his squad in order to replace the likes of Iker Casillas and Gareth Bale should they leave the club. A few possibilities:
Benzema is also on the fence of leaving to a different club, even after signing a new contract in 2014 which extended his services at Madrid to 2019.
The biggest question is who will be preferred to Benitez, Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale? Whether or not he decides to play both or only one to their maximum potential, the supporting cast around these players can be the difference between his success or failure as new manager.
At the top of the player transfer rumors are David De Gea, Raheem Sterling, Marco Verratti, Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane, and Laurent Koscielny. Real Madrid could have a completely new look come next season if all of these Premier League and Ligue 1 stars decide to go to the Bernabeu over the summer.
Raheem Sterling's new look should he decide to join Real Madrid. Photo: @Now__Football | Twiiter
FC Porto’s right-back Danilo has already been confirmed to join Benitez and Madrid for a reported 31.5 million Euros.
The Spanish manager’s prospects set out by Florentino Perez will surely involve winning silverware in either the Champions League or La Liga if not both. Despite winning the 2014 Champions League, Ancelotti is a prime example of what could happen to Rafael Benitez if he is unable to bring back any trophies in a single season. Benitez managed to lead Liverpool to a Champions League win in 2005 after penalties, as well as Chelsea’s domination in the Europa League after succeeding Roberto Di Matteo.
