Speaking ahead of their Champions League clash against Malmo, Rafael Benitez claimed that Real Madrid could not depend entirely on Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to score goals.
Following their goalless draw against Malaga, Rafa Benitez will be hoping for a strong performance in the Champions League as they prepare to visit Vicente Calderon for the Madrid derby on Sunday.
We cannot depend so much on Cristiano or Benzema
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As reported by AS, Benitez said that Real Madrid needed to find more goalscorers in the team in a bid to ease the pressure off Ronaldo and Benzema. The manager also criticized the teama s inability to maintain their composure in the dying minutes of the game against Malaga.
a The final pass was missing and were anxious, snatching at things in the last five minutes. Our decision-making wasna t sharp. What we have to do is instill confidence in the team, therea s no other way.
“Benzema has set an objective, with Cristiano you dona t have to do that. But we have to raise the numbers of Isco, Jese, and the other players in the second line, and not depend so much on Cristiano or Benzema.”
Benitez continued to back Cristiano Ronaldo to end his goal drought as the Portuguese endured a frustrating outing against Malaga. Despite being presented with several opportunities in front of the goal, the Real Madrid winger failed to find his name on the score-sheet.
a I see him the way I see the team, creating chances. Hea s going to score goals, I know he will, hea s a goals guarantee, Ia m completely calm about that.a
However, despite their inability to score a goal against Malaga, Real Madrid boast of a strong defensive record under Rafael Benitez after having conceded only one goal this season.