It came as a surprise when Real Madrid's manager Carlo Ancelotti was sacked last Monday. Although Ancellotti led Real's win of four trophies in two years -- including the much-coveted 10th European Cup in history -- the streak was not enough to keep his job.
According to a report by CNN, the reason why Real Madrid's former Italian coach was fired is still up in the air. And it doesn't help that Real president Florentino Perez -- the man who fired him -- simply responded to press questions with, "Erm, I don't know."
"I want to thank Carlo Ancelotti for his two years of service, all his hard work and the affection he has shown, and also tell him that this is his still his home. This has been a difficult decision as you can all imagine, especially for the Board of Directors, but like I always say we are not here, at Real Madrid, to make easy decisions," Perez said.
Perez's approach with Real Madrid has become so cutthroat that a total of 12 managers have entered and was fired from the team since 2000. The team has won three league titles as well as two Champion League trophies in the span of 15 years. Their number is still a pale comparison to rival Barcelona, which has seven La Liga wins and three Champion League victories in the same span of time.
As support for Ancelotti, Cristiano Ronaldo posted a picture of him with the coach, with a caption that reads, "Great coach and amazing person. Hope we work together next season."
Another Real Madrid star, Sergio Ramos, posted a photo with his former coach via his official Twitter account. The player described Ancelotti as "one of the best coaches" that he's ever had. He added that the former is a "great professional" and a "friend."
In an article by BBC Sports, Perez said that a new manager will be appointed next week. He also mentioned that he has the same affection for Carlos as the players and Real's fans.
"The demands here at Real Madrid are very high. The affection that the players and the fans have for Carlo is the same as the affection I myself have for him," Perez said.
Now that he is jobless, Ancelotti said that he will now be able to undergo an operation to aid his cervical spinal stenosis.
"I must have a back operation because of a stenosis that for some time creates a tingle in my hands. If I waste more time it could extend to my legs and this is why I have made an appointment to have the surgery done," Ancelotti said.