Benitez: People want us to fail

Rafa Benitez has claimed that “there are some people who don’t want Real Madrid to do well” ahead of Saturday’s encounter with Levante in La Liga.

Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett recently brewed speculation of a strained relationship between the Welshman and Cristiano Ronaldo, having suggested his client did not want to be “an underwear model” like the No 7, but the Coach insista such talk is designed to divide Los Blancos’ dressing room.

“There are some people who don’t want Real Madrid to do well and who want to destabilise us, but we don’t value those people,” he said.

“There are controversies which have been invented to confuse the true madridistas. Some people have made things which aren’t true.

“I gave an interview in the week, in which I said something factual, that the atmosphere in the squad was very good, the players were competitive and got along.

“[On comments made by Gareth Bale’s agent regarding Cristiano Ronaldo], there’s no problem. I can’t control what agents say.

“[On the ‘FIFA virus’], all teams have had many injuries one time or another. If players are injured on international duty then there’s little we can do.

“[On Cristiano Ronaldo’s shooting], I’ve seen him in training and his shooting has been pretty good.

“[Levante] have a good, tactical Coach. They play with speed, precision and patience and are a team with clear and very-organised ideas.

“It’s crucial that we press and take control from the first minute.

“We can’t do anything about playing Wednesday against PSG and then Saturday against Celta. I’m only focused on what I can control.

“My relationship with the club’s medical services is excellent because they’re doing a great job, impeccable at that.

“We have meetings every day and work with absolute professionalism.”

Benitez also had words for the retiring Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez: “Before I begin, I’d like to send my regards to Raul.

“I’ve seen that he’s retiring, and I’d like to wish him all the best. I have good relations with him from his time here.

“All I can say is that Raul is a great player and person and what he does in the future is up to him.

“You can only speak well of him. He’s a phenomenon, but he still has to keep playing and then we’ll see which path he’ll take. I have a [coaching] team right now, but you never know in the future.

“I think Raul is clever enough to know what is happening both on and off the pitch at the moment.

“Either way, he has a place at any team in the world, including Real Madrid.

“I don’t want to spin what he says or has said, but Raul at his best could have played for any team.”

Tags Rafa Benitez
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