Ex-Real Madrid boss emerges as shock favourite for Inter Miami job

The Spaniard took charge of Real Madrid in the period between Carlo Ancelotti's first spell and Zidane's attempt to set a European record.

Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's surprise departure from Inter Miami following the MLS play-off failure came as a big surprise to fans, the MLS and the football world.

The Argentinian coach was the cornerstone around which the ambitious MLS managers decided to go for Lionel Messi and bring him to the United States: it worked, and the Leo-Tata axis led The Herons to unimaginable success on and off the field.

But now he's gone. In a flash, Inter Miami fans see what normal football fans supporting normal football clubs usually feel, or at least part of it: that feeling of 'what now?'.

Who will be the next Inter Miami manager?

Tata is out and football, as you will see, moves on quickly. The bookmakers have already drawn up a list of favorites, and one name in particular stands out.

According to British bookmakers BetFair, ex-Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez is the favorite for the job at the time of writing. Behind him are Brendan Rodgers, currently of Celtic, and Steve Cherundolo, of LAFC.

However, other links under investigation and not included in the betting include ex-Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández, who left the LaLiga side last summer and was replaced by Hansi Flick. However, this link is unlikely and makes sense for fans trying to put 2 plus 2 together in the dark, as Xavi played alongside Messi, Suárez, Busquets and Alba.

Other names mentioned include Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin and Inter Miami II manager Gonzalo Higuaín. However, Pep Guardiola is out of the question as the Catalan signed a one-year extension to his contract with Manchester City.