MADRID: Real Madrid vice-president Eduardo Fernandez de Blas on Sunday announced his football club's intention to appoint Rafael Benitez as coach, also hailing him as one of the world's best.
Benitez is widely anticipated to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real, after the Italian was sacked following a season in which the club missed out on the La Liga and Champions League titles.
"Ancelotti is an absolute phenomenon -- a gentleman whom I have great affection for, and I think everyone else at Real Madrid does too," de Blas was quoted as saying by goal.com.
"Until three days ago he was the best trainer in the world, as two years ago it was Jose Mourinho, and from this week onwards it will be Rafa Benitez,” he said.
"I'm excited and looking forward to July 30 to see how the best players in the world work under an exceptional coach."
The vice-president added, despite his sacking, Ancelotti's reputation has been boosted by his time in the Spanish capital.
"Carlo now has more to his name than when he came, but we're here to make decisions, which we think are best for the club. We live and die by them," he said.
Former Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Chelsea manager Benitez announced his exit from Serie A side Napoli on Thursday.