Arsene Wenger backs "outstanding" Rafael Benitez

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 November 2015

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says that Real Madrid would be making a mistake if they sacked Rafael Benitez just 12 games into the new La Liga season.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has thrown his support behind under-fire Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez, who could lose his job at the Bernabeu on Monday.

Real Madrid's 4-0 home defeat to Barcelona on Saturday has placed severe pressure on the Spaniard and the Madrid club's president Florentino Perez has called for an unscheduled press conference on Monday, with Benitez's future up for discussion.

Wenger, however, who has also played down talk that he could take charge of the Spanish giants, has thrown his support behind Benitez, claiming that the former Liverpool boss "is an outstanding manager".

"I would just like to take this opportunity to support completely Rafa, who is an outstanding manager. It would not be serious to sack the manager after 12 [league] games," Wenger told reporters. "I hope he gets the support of the president. No one should bet on me to become the next [Real Madrid] manager."

Benitez only took charge of Real Madrid in the summer after Carlo Ancelotti was relieved of his duties.