Rafa Benitez insists he would substitute Cristiano Ronaldo if he thought it was necessary but ‘he guarantees goals so I leave him on whenever I can.’
There have been complaints from some of the Real Madrid supporters and Press that Karim Benzema is the player always replaced by Benitez, while Ronaldo is left on the pitch no matter what.
“My pulse doesn’t tremble [at the thought of replacing Ronaldo] but he is unquestionable,” Benitez told COPE and El Laguero, Marca reports.
“I don’t take him off because he guarantees goals so I try to leave him on whenever I can. With him we have an advantage over the rest. He gets 50 goals or more each season.
“I talk to Ronaldo every day and analyse an assessment of what we have to do to get the most out of him, what is best for Madrid. There is no debate.
“He’s a great professional and a great player. I think he has to retain the Ballon d’Or.”
Benitez was asked about the combination of Benzema, Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, and the squad as a whole, having been in his post since June.
“If [Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo] are at their best they’re possibly unstoppable but we’re lucky to have such good players in the squad that can also come in,” he replied.
“This squad is the best I’ve ever had. The team is so competitive even in training, they always want to win.”
