Benitez: Jese knows what to do

Rafa Benitez believes Jese Rodriguez now “knows” what is needed to become a Real Madrid mainstay after the forward’s impressive cameo against Levante.

The homegrown product marked his late introduction to game against the Valencians on Saturday with Los Blancos’ third goal in a 3-0 victory, and his Coach has challenged him to begin displaying his potential on a regular basis.

“We know we’re a team with zip, and it was important to start the game [with a goal],” he said after the game.

“We had to manage the situation at 2-0, with all the problems we had before the game, and 3-0 reflected how the team played – with zip and without conceding a goal, thanks to the team and Keylor Navas.

“Winning 3-0 and with the problems we had coming into the match, I think the team showed many positives, with seven homegrown players on the [substitutes’] bench.

“[Cristiano Ronaldo] had to get the team going and work hard but did very well.

“After we went 2-0 up, [Gareth Bale] looked tired, given the busy week he has had, and we had to introduce some fresh legs.

“Saturday was much closer to what we all expect [from Jese]. The level of demand here is very high and he has to work as he did [against Levante], with balance, hard work and zip.

“He knows the path he must go down. The only way he can get minutes is by going out and proving he is worthy of them.

“I don’t know if [Karim Benzema] will travel to Paris. I spoke to him on Saturday morning and everyone will say they’re feeling better [if they’re recovering from an injury], but [Paris Saint-Germain] is still a few days away so we’ll evaluate the situation nearer to the time.”

Tags Jese Rodriguez Rafa Benitez
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