‘Benitez is Madrid’s best Coach’

Florentino Perez is clear in his mind that Rafa Benitez is the right man to be Real Madrid Coach, and talked Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and more.

Perez was interviewed by El Laguero and his comments picked up by Marca, largely discussing the David De Gea situation and pointing the finger at Manchester United.

The President was also asked about a range of other topics, including admitting an admiration for Gerard Pique, and started with the identity of the trainer.

“Benitez is the best Coach of Madrid. I offered him the job in 2009. It was easier to stay with Carlo Ancelotti but we needed new impetus,” Perez insisted.

“The project was running out of steam since January. We had no doubts about making the change.

“We have a great team but it’s not just 11 players. It’s 18 and they’re all phenomenal. We’ll have a great season.

“Cristiano isn’t angry but he is upset with himself when he doesn’t score. Goals are his obsession.

“Gareth Bale and Benzema know they’re at the best club in the world. Where could they go that is better than here?

“Mateo Kovacic? We had to improve the bench. Benitez knows him from Italy and I asked Modric and he said he was a phenomenon.

“I don’t know what Raul will do when he retires. He’s very intelligent. If he wants to come here he certainly has a place. I don’t know what he wants.

“We want the cantera to be a training school. Victor Fernandez has great experience and is the best person to raise the cantera’s level.

“Dani Ceballos had a great Euro Under-19s. So did Borja Mayoral and Marco Asensio. We try to spot talent between 17 and 18 and I think we’re doing well.

“I’m sure some day Zinedine Zidane will have the chance to coach the first team.”

Tags Florentino Perez Rafa Benitez
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