Real Madrid great Raul has hailed the work that Carlo Ancelotti has accomplished during his two-year spell as manager at the club.

The Italian coach was sacked from his position earlier this week, with reports suggesting that former Napoli boss Rafael Benitez will be Ancelotti's successor.

However, the former Madrid striker has praised Ancelotti's achievements and believes that the next coach needs to take the club to the next level and bring in more silverware.

"I think that he should be thanked for the great work he's done. He brought the Champions League back to Madrid after so long," Raul said, according to Goal.com.

"The club now has to make the best decision about who to bring in to win more titles for the club.

"Every time the season finishes and no titles have been won it's always difficult with changes of coach and players, but that's normal at a club as big as Real Madrid."

Madrid president Florentino Perez is expected to announce the new manager next week.