Pérez to hold press conference as Benítez speculation grows

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez will speak at a press conference on Monday evening as speculation grows about the future of manager Rafael Benítez following the 4-0 home thrashing against Barcelona.

The former Liverpool manager is under intense pressure following the defeat in Saturday’s clásico, just five months after taking over at the club.

“The Real Madrid C. F. president, Florentino Pérez, will hold a press conference at 7:30pm CET this evening in the Santiago Bernabéu following the Board meeting,” read a statement on their official website.

Initial suggestions in Spain claimed that Benítez is expected to keep his job, although star striker Cristiano Ronaldo was reported by Fox Sports Italia to have issued an ultimatum to Pérez claiming either Benítez is sacked or he leaves.

Real are currently second in La Liga standings, six points behind Barcelona. Zinedine Zidane, who currently manages the club's Castilla reserve team, has already said he is not interested in taking over should Benítez lose his job.

(Guardian service)