Rafa Benitez has again complained about suggestions he doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Cristiano Ronaldo. ‘We talk every day…’
The Real Madrid Coach appeared on radio programme El Primer Palo and was asked about comments made by Diego Simeone, who claimed this season the League was set-up for Los Blancos.
“I have little to say. Just look at the statistics of what is happening this year with penalties for one team or another…I don’t even have to open my mouth,” Benitez replied, Marca reports.
Rumoured issues with Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos were also raised, as was the injury suffered by Gareth Bale and the performance of Keylor Navas.
“I told Sergio he is my captain and I will defend him to the death,” Benitez revealed.
“I spoke with him and nothing happened. He’s super-professional and the leader of the team.
“I’m tired of reading I don’t talk to Cristiano. I do it every day.
“Bale wanted to continue after half time at against Levante but he had an injury to the soleus muscle and had to stop. In a few days we’ll know more developments in this regard.
“Keylor has been huge, but he’s not making more than three saves a game. There are many who make more saves. But the good thing is that he’s rarely involved and when he is, he intervenes well.”
Benitez was asked about the development of Madrid’s game under his guidance, as well as reports the club would target a left-back in the winter transfer window.
“I think [Carlo] Ancelotti also spoke of balance and we are moving towards that,” he noted.
“I think we’ve had some good phases in games and in others not so much. Of course, there are things that can’t be denied: we have more shots on goal than anyone else, score more and concede fewer. That’s something we do well.
“A left back? When we decided we weren’t going to have a specific back-up for Marcelo, we analysed the situation. Nacho and [Alvaro] Arbeloa can play there.
“And we also noted the name of Abner [from RM Castilla], but he’s injured.”
