"Once I return to Madrid and attend the title celebration, I'll formally submit my resignation."
Around noon the day after the Champions League Final, Yang Yang met Head Coach Benitez in the garden downstairs from the hotel where Real Madrid were staying. The Spaniard laid his cards on the table with Yang Yang and revealed where he intended to go.
Yang Yang was somewhat surprised and pressed him, "Why?"
He knew that Benitez's dismissal had always been a subject of media hype and fan attention. Although Real Madrid's management had repeatedly stated that they would support Benitez, Florentino's attitude at the very top had always remained ambiguous.
Especially after the league ended, rumors had been flying that Real Madrid were urgently contacting Ancelotti. The latter had just been sacked by Chelsea, but there was little doubt about his coaching ability. He had led AC Milan to two Champions League Finals against Liverpool back then, and Yang Yang knew exactly how capable he was.
But that wasn't a reason for Benitez to resign voluntarily.
The reason his position had once been in crisis was that the team's results had been less than ideal. But things were different now. A legendary Champions League title defense, a Copa del Rey trophy, and a history-making La Liga runner-up finish meant that Benitez's position was completely secure.
If he truly wanted to remain at Real Madrid, all he had to do was step forward and publicly declare, "I want to stay with the team." Even Florentino would have to consider the reaction of the club and its fans.
After all, he was the legendary coach who had helped Real Madrid successfully defend their Champions League title. Benitez would be recorded in Real Madrid's history. How could Florentino dare to dismiss him and invite such a