Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that his side has to work harder on training ground after a disappointing 0-0 draw in their opening La Liga game against Sporting Gijon.
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Real Madrid were held to a rather drab goalless draw by Sporting Gijon in Beniteza s first competitive game in charge of the European giants.
Benitez played Garteh Bale in a central role as the no. 10 and young Jese Rodriguez was played as the centre-forward with Karim Benzema out due to injury. Cristiano Ronaldo was the focal point of the attack once Jese was subbed in the second half.
Benitez admits Real Madrid have to work hard on training ground
Following the disappointing draw, Rafael Benitez said he was “optimistic” but there was “more work to be done”
Benitez was quoted saying by ESPN FC: “I knew it was going to be a game that Sporting would make difficult for us.a
“We needed to be rapid and precise. There were a lot of shots without precision. In the first half we gave Sporting their chances. There must be more work done.”
Benitez a optimistica following a much improved second half
Real Madrid have scored in only 5 games off the 9 Rafael Benitez has managed them since taking over (competitive and non-competitive games combined).
Following another goalless outing, pressure will only increase on the former Chelsea and Liverpool manager. Benitez said he was positive following a much improved second half which saw Real Madrid finish the game with 27 shots in total, eight on target, but still not find a way past the home keeper and former Atletico Madrid youth team player Ivan Cuellar.
Benitez said: “The reaction in the second half was good. The team showed character and personality. That makes me optimistic. The second half was a team which clearly went for the game. We just lacked the final pass and the finish.”