Xavi Hernandez has criticised the media for preying on Rafa Benitez only months into his Real Madrid reign.
Benitez faced his first public inquiry after he was accused of being too defensive with his tactics in Los Blancos' 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend, but the former Barcelona midfielder believes his countryman needs “time and space” before he can be judged.
“Isco, Thiago [Alcantara], Javi Martinez co. have to pick up the baton,” he told a promotional event when pressed on Spain’s chances at Euro 2016, Marca reports.
“Veterans like [David] Silva, [Andres] Iniesta, [Sergio] Busquets, [Sergio] Ramos, Iker [Casillas] must also continue [with the baton], but our current crop's good and they'll show it in France.
“Winning [the trophy] will be difficult because it'll be decided by small details, but we'll be competitive, no doubt.
“[On Benitez], he's only just started. Luis Enrique was also criticised last season, yet we won everything.
“People have to be patient but football is judged on a daily basis.
“There are many TV and radio programmes that give their opinion, and the alarms go off when Barca or Madrid don't win.
“It's normal that there's criticism, but you [journalists] must give [Rafa] time and space to see what he can offer Real Madrid.”
