The managerial job at Real Madrid is no joke. A below par season, even a single loss can cost you your job. Just ask the previous manager Carlo Ancelotti.
So when Rafael Benitez was brought in to replace the Italian manager at the helms of the Bernabeu, much to the disliking of the fans and several players, everyone knew Rafa had to either deliver or risk suffering the same fate as Ancelotti.
The season may have not started, but Benitez’s reign at Les Merengues kick started with an Inernational Champions Cup clash with Roma.
It all went wrong for the former Napoli boss.
The 10-time Champions League winners, despite fielding a side consisting of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, and Sergio Ramos, the Liga BBVA were unable to break down the Serie A side, losing out to the Giallorossi 7-6 on penalties.
Seydou Keita scores the winning penalty, as Roma beat Real 7-6 on penalties in the ICC
Twitter was not happy to see Benitez embark on life at Real Madrid with a defeat, as fans saw this as a sign of what is to come in the upcoming 2015-16 season.
Many called for the 55-year-old to be sacked, albeit most of them were mere jokes and trolls, while other questioned why he was hired in the first place.
Check out the best tweets below.
Madrid needs a coach with good defensive strategy for now, I don't see Benitez doing that
— Mula (@SayCoins) July 18, 2015
Sources confirm that Perez's assistant just finished typing Benitez's sack letter.. however, they will wait till December, before signing it
— Mudi Bankz™ (@battousaii_) July 18, 2015
sack Benitez before season starts
— A.J.S (@AjalaSegun7) July 18, 2015
Sack Benitez too Real Madrid. #JokeClub
— Aneesh Chandoke (@AneeshChandoke) July 18, 2015
I suspect Rafa Benitez to be the David Moyes of Real Madrid https://t.co/9Wb9TbGYCB
— Arsene-All (@arsenalbarclays) July 18, 2015
Should sack Benitez right now.
— ¶ (@whatsdepay) July 18, 2015
Madrid will sack Benitez before the Season Starts...
— Juuju (@jnrkofi3) July 18, 2015
Benitez to get the sack #sorelosers
— Robert Crosbie (@crosbierobbie) July 18, 2015
Now I know what Madridistas would say: Sack Benitez
— Neymessi | CAMPIONS! (@neymarlovesme) July 18, 2015
On a serious note, how on earth did Benitez get that job? Crazy
— Jim (@AgentJim_) July 18, 2015
2 - Only two shots on target of @realmadriden in the first game of Rafa Benitez. Little
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 18, 2015
It is key to note that Real Madrid began last campaign in similar fashion, losing in the International Champions Cup, before going on to lift the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
However, their manager got the boot when the season ended.