Rafa Benitez believes Real Madrid are “five days” and “some adjustments” away from being ready for next season following Saturday’s penalties defeat to Roma.
Los Blancos played in front of a capacity crowd in Melbourne, with the Coach debuting his renowned 4-2-3-1 formation, which saw Cristiano Ronaldo play as the lone striker and Gareth Bale in the hole, but a 0-0 draw was followed by a 7-6 shootout loss as Lucas Vazquez missed from the spot.
“There were enough positive things, we were organised, pressed well when we lost the ball and created chances,” he said after the game.
“The downside is that we need to take advantage of these chances, and we still need to make some adjustments, but we’re talking about only five more days of work, travel etc.
“[Defensively], we were pretty good in many instances, but we still need to make adjustments.
“The team pressed, recovered balls and were organised enough but lacked rhythm and didn’t take our chances.
“[Roma] had some chances early on, but then we controlled the match.
“With [Kiko Casilla’s] arrival, we have more competition [in the goalkeeping department] and we’re happy to have him. We have enough quality goalkeepers.
“The team showed a very good attitude and are working with intensity, desire, and generally much urgency to achieve things.
“[Cristiano Ronaldo as the long striker and Gareth Bale as the No 10] isn’t definitive because you have to keep working, but it’s an alternative system that we can exploit through the speed and quality of the rapport between them.
“The only regret is that [Jose Carlos] Lazo and [Diego] Llorente weren’t able to play, but it was very clear that the match was just an intense workout.
“The pre-season is always for work and to watch the players [closely]. Some players are more established than others, and they have to prove that they have enough quality and deserve to be here.
“It’s true that there are lots of [midfielders] here, and I think Lucas Silva takes up a non-EU spot. Obviously, we have to make a decision.”
