Rafael Benitez’ final game as Napoli manager ended in the worst possible way as he failed to lead the Serie A outfit into the Champions League for the second time this season.
The Spaniard boss has been heavily rumoured to be taking over the reigns at Real Madrid next week, which has led to some on social media questioning just how he could be so lucky.
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Benitez revealed last week (via BBC Sport) that he was to step down as Napoli after the last game of the season against Lazio on Sunday night. His side went into the game at the Stadio San Paolo needing to win in order to secure Champions League qualification.
After fighting back from 2-0 down thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain brace, the Argentine striker blew the chance to put the Gli Azzurri ahead when he blazed his spot-kick over the bar with 15 minutes remaining.
Late goals from Ogenyi Onazi and Miroslav Klose sealed a 4-2 win for Lazio and denied the hosts an opportunity of playing in Europe’s elite competition for the second time this campaign.
It was back in August where Benitez’ side were knocked out at the play-off stage by Athletic Bilbao prompting those on Twitter to question if the former Liverpool manager is the best man to replace Carlo Ancelotti:
Rafa Benitez takes Napoli from second to fifth while spending £110m in two years and lands the Real Madrid job. Nice work if you can get it.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) May 31, 2015
“You mean I can fail to make the CL twice in the same season and still get the Real job?” pic.twitter.com/uyP2tBSqpp
— fiuuuunale (@agiamba) May 31, 2015
Napoli league finish – 2012/13 – 2nd *Benitez takes over & spends over £100m* 2013/14 – 3rd 2014/15 – 5th *Bentiez get’s Real Madrid job*
— Top Corner (@HITCtopcorner) May 31, 2015
Keep the faith guys: If it’s possible for Rafa Benitez to land the Real Madrid job, then anything is achievable.
— Liam (@OffsideLiam) May 31, 2015
Benitez to be the next Real Madrid manager is a head scratcher. Hard to believe. What are they thinking?
— Yatesy Boy (@YatesyBoy) May 31, 2015
Rafa Benitez takes Napoli backwards over two years to the extent that they miss out on CL qualification and, erm, gets the Real Madrid job.
— Ian M (@Marriotti67) May 31, 2015
Incredible if it happens, how on earth has Rafa Benitez managed to get himself a manager’s job at Real Madrid.
— TweetChelseaFC (@TweetChelseaFC) May 31, 2015