Twitter reacts to Rafa Benitez's sacking by Real Madrid

The coaching carousel continues to spin at break-neck speeds, with the latest casualty being Real Madrid's Rafa Benitez, who has been a lightning rod for criticism in his seven months at the club.

Club legend Zinedine Zidane was named Benitez's replacement, becoming Real's first ever French manager after a spell bossing the reserve side.

In light of the Madrid-born gaffer's dismissal, here's a look at how Twitter reacted to the news:

On Rafa's tenure at the Bernabeu

So Rafa is 'gone'. If confirmed, will have enough knives planted in his back to open a cutlery shop. Not Real Madrid's finest hour.
— Philippe Auclair (@PhilippeAuclair) January 4, 2016

Real Madrid have scored 15 goals in the last 15 days. Not good enough in a leap year.
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) January 4, 2016

Benitez sacked? Not the first time @GNev2 has had the last laugh against Rafa... pic.twitter.com/bw53uGMI27
— Jon-T (@AchtungJono) January 4, 2016

On Rafa's next gig

Rafa Benitez should have gone to West Ham.
— John Brewin (@JohnBrewinESPN) January 4, 2016

Wonder if Benitez knows there's a Hungry Horse, Odeon and Primark in West Brom?
— Kai Brannigan-Fleet (@KaiBFleet) January 4, 2016

On Rafa's replacement

Cristiano isn't going to like having a coach who nutmegs him in every training session.
— Brooks Peck (@BrooksDT) January 4, 2016

The next Clásico will be somewhat more interesting than usual pic.twitter.com/QaerXFSlwE
— Mohamed Moallim (@iammoallim) January 4, 2016

Beckham on Zidane appointment at Real, praising his "drive and passion" pic.twitter.com/0zEoDzC9ed
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) January 4, 2016

Death, taxes and Real Madrid firing managers.

The Spanish juggernaut, sputtering (by its lofty standards) in La Liga this season, confirmed what has seemed inevitable since the day Rafa Benitez was hired only seven months ago, announcing Monday that the under-fire boss has been sacked, replaced on the touchline by club icon Zinedine Zidane.

The Madrid native, 55, was given his marching orders despite the club finding itself a mere four points off the top of the La Liga table, where city rival Atletico Madrid sits at the summit. Though Los Blancos are well within striking distance for the Spanish title, there was consistent outrage from supporters over the team's uninspiring, defensive style of play under Benitez, along with a series of unfortunate, high-profile gaffes that blighted his tenure; the Copa del Rey debacle, a reported rift with marquee players, and a 4-0 battering at the hands of Barcelona in this season's edition of El Clasico.

And while the timing seems odd - the club is one day removed from earning a 2-2 draw away to Valencia, despite playing with ten men - trigger-happy president Florentino Perez decided the time was right for the seemingly inevitable announcement.

Here's everything you need to know about Real Madrid's decision to cut ties with Benitez, and replace him with Zidane.

REACTION

COACHING CAROUSEL AT THE BERNABEU

LOOKING BACK AT BENITEZ'S ILL-FATED TENURE

ZIDANE TAKES OVER

Twitter reacts to Rafa Benitez's sacking by Real Madrid

The Digest

Everything you need to know about Real Madrid's firing of Benitez, hiring of Zidane

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