Newcastle relegated: From the Bernabeu to Burton for Rafa Benitez as relegation comes after Real Madrid sack

Benitez started the season as Real Madrid manager but could find himself managing at Burton Albion next season if he stays with relegated Newcastle

The 2015/16 season has proven to be one to forget for Rafa Benitez, after the Spaniard followed up his dismissal from Real Madrid with the embarrassment of being unable to prevent Newcastle from suffering relegation to the Premier League.

Having started the year at the Bernabeu, Benitez could find himself at Burton next season should the reports prove true and he decides to remain at Newcastle next season despite dropping to the Championship.

Benitez can’t really be blamed for Newcastle’s second relegation in seven years, with Steve McClaren’s terrible start to the season leaving the club in a position where Benitez could not rescue them.

Sunderland’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday confirmed both Newcastle’s and Norwich’s relegation, although the Magpies are likely to start the Championship season as red-hot favourites for promotion.

With Benitez currently weighing up his Newcastle future after the first relegation of his career, fans will be concerned over who will replace the former Liverpool manager should he decide to move on to pastures new.

However, after the season he’s endured, it may be in Benitez’s interest to stick with Newcastle and focus on rebuilding the squad away from the media focus of the Premier League.

Click on the gallery above to see Benitez’s season in pictures.