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Sport

05th Jan 2016

Oddly, Luis Enrique had the best take on Rafa Benitez’ sacking

Empathy

Patrick McCarry

Spanish football is abuzz now that Zinedine Zidane has been installed as Real Madrid manager and Rafa Benitez has been kicked to the kerb.

The insatiable sports journalists in Spain have dug up a number of interesting reports – Real wanted Pep first, Rafa was sacked early to save costly compensation – but today has mainly been one for reflection.

The media caught up with Barcelona boss Luis Enrique to get his take on the Benitez axing and found him in philosophical mood.

VILLANUEVA DE LA SERENA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Luis Enrique of FC Barcelona reacts on the touchline during the Copa del Rey Last of 16 First Leg match between C.F. Villanovense and F.C. Barcelona at estadio Romero Cuerda on October 28, 2015 in Villanueva de la Serena, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The 45-year-old, who came through a period of real turbulence at Barca last season, empathised with his former managerial rival:

“The chain always breaks at the weakest link – which is the coach. This career is risky, [just] like bungee jumping.”

Now that Zidane has been given a two-and-a-half-year deal at Real, Enrique was asked for his opinion on the Frenchman.