Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez launched an astonishing attack against the local media ahead of his side’s clash with Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Speculation about Rafa Benitez’s future at the club has been rife in recent weeks with many journalists in the local media claiming that former manager Jose Mourinho may be the next occupant of the hot seat at the Bernabeu. Despite Real Madrid’s 10-2 demolition of Rayo Vallecano at home last week, several jeers were heard at the full time whistle.
Rafa Benitez has come under extreme pressure from all quarters in recent weeks after his stuttering Real Madrid side suffered 3 defeats in their previous 5 matches in the league (against Sevilla, Barcelona and Villarreal). Many Los Blancos fans have also criticised the Spaniard’s pragmatic and often defensive style of football which, many believe, goes against the core ethos of the football club.
Benitez alleges campaign by local media
Speaking to the press ahead of his side’s encounter against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez alleged a campaign against him, P rez and Real Madrid by some sections of the local media.
“There is a campaign against [the president] Florentino [P rez], Real Madrid and me,a said Ben tez (as quoted by the guardian). a Everything is criticised that can be and where not it is manipulated which anyone can see. This is particularly clear if you look at the situation from the outside.
“Everything is being magnified and I have a lot of experience coaching so I know to be distracted as little as possible. I have 24 players in the squad but when I leave out one player then it is made out that it is something personal and a load of speculation is built up. The team is a lot better than people think.
Ben tez: “I am focused on getting the team to play well and win titles.” READ: https://t.co/0C8V9d8MBN #RMCity pic.twitter.com/gxHdjufJKW
a Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) December 29, 2015
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“My relationship with the players is infinitely better than what you read in the press. There is a communications department that keeps me informed. The team is doing some things well and others not so much.”
With a win against Real Sociedad on Wednesday, Real Madrid will temporarily go to the top of the La Liga table as joint league leaders FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid kick off later in the day.