Speaking ahead of Real Madrida s opening fixture against Sporting Gijon, manager Rafa Benitez seemed to indicate that his team would revolve around Gareth Bale with the Welshman given a lot more freedom to attack the opponent. The Spaniard also spoke about Karim Benzema and insisted that Real Madrid werena t looking to add another striker to their squad this summer.
Taking over the reins from Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez seems to be following Florentino Pereza s wishes as he a promotesa Gareth Bale to a more central role, giving him the licence to play with increased freedom.
Bale to be deployed in a No. 10 position
Criticized for his ineffectual performance last season, word from the Gareth Bale camp seemed to indicate that the Welshman wasna t happy playing on the right flank for Real Madrid. Following Rafa Beniteza s appointment as the manager, it seems that the Presidenta s favourite signing will be promoted to a more central role in a bid to give him the creative freedom to attack the opponent. As reported by Goal.com, Benitez claimed that the Welsh international would be deployed behind the striker in order to pose a greater threat to the opponent.
“Bale behind the striker? I like to give freedom within an order. Like that we are more unpredictable.”
Ben tez: “Bale is not a player with a fixed position like Ronaldo, Jes or Benzema.” #RMLiga #HalaMadrid
a Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) August 22, 2015
Gareth Bale hasna t been successful in his new position during the pre-season tour and it remains to be seen if he can repay the faith invested in him by the President and the manager.
Real Madrid wona t buy another striker, might use Cristiano Ronaldo in that position
With Karim Benzema sidelined due to a thigh injury, Real Madrid have been reported to be on the look-out for a new striker after refusing to extend Chicharitoa s stay at Santiago Bernabeu. However, as reported by AS, Rafa Benitez denied such reports and insisted that he is counting upon Cristiano Ronaldo, Jese Rodriguez and Mayoral to play as a striker this season.
a Ia ve said many times that Benzema is a great striker. Thata s why Ia ve set him a target of 25 goals, to motivate him. We also have Cristiano, and Jes and Mayoral as back-up. Wea re not looking for a striker right now.a
Speaking about Cristiano Ronaldoa s role in the team and whether he would be used in a No 9 position, Benitez insisted that the Portuguese superstar would continue to enjoy the freedom to a move arounda and express himself on the pitch.
a The players are free to move around, to express their creativity and their talent. Cristiano will play as a striker if necessary. If not, hea ll play out wide and cut in to score goals. Thata s what I like seeing most and what he likes doing most.a
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Real Madrid remain without the services of Karim Benzema and Coentrao as they visit Sporting Gijon in the opening fixture of the season.
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