It’s claimed in the Spanish Press that Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t comfortable with the training methods and tactics of Real Madrid Coach Rafa Benitez.
Marca say that Ronaldo feels neglected by the way Benitez wants Madrid to play, with Gareth Bale taking a more central role – one that has, so far, lessened Ronaldo’s influence.
It’s reportedly acknowledged by Benitez that Bale’s best position would be on the left wing, but Ronaldo doesn’t want to give up that spot as he prefers to attack from deep from that side.
Despite Ronaldo keeping hold of his preferred position, the attack being rebuilt around Bale and its subsequent effect on Ronaldo has led to the Portuguese feeling overlooked.
Ronaldo has also struggled to score under Benitez, with only one goal in six games in pre-season and the League campaign.
Karim Benzema’s injury-enforced absence is considered to be another reason why Ronaldo has come up short in front of goal, the striker proving to be Ronaldo’s best foil.
The greater issue, according to people who see Ronaldo and Benitez day-to-day, is though said to be the limited understanding between player and trainer.
Benitez’s methods are described as ‘much stiffer’ than those of his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, and Ronaldo has been asked to run repetitive drills in order to take in what Benitez wants.
But Benitez’s sessions are considered too dense by more than one player, though Ronaldo remains professional in his work.
