Rafa Benitez Opens Up on Cristiano Ronaldo Spat, Rates Star Above Lionel Messi
Rafa Benitez hasn't been in the Real Madrid hot seat long, but his every word and relationship with star player Cristiano Ronaldo are already being scrutinised by the press.
This was underlined on Wednesday, when television station Cuatro captured images of a clearly frustrated Ronaldo, as tweeted by AS:
The AS report suggests CR7 was also "livid" with Benitez's decision to disallow a goal of his during the practice session. However, the new boss moved quickly to play down the incident, reported by Alvaro De La Rosa of AS: "He is a competitive guy and that's the key. This is a positive thing not a defect."
Benitez continued by praising Ronaldo, reported by AS:
"Fortunately after working with him you can see how competitive he is and how keen he is to win. He has great quality and that’s what makes him the best player in the world. I wish all the players had the same enthusiasm to compete and win. He shows this on a day by day basis and I’m delighted with him.
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These comments are curious, especially after Benitez recently failed to rate Ronaldo above Barcelona rival Lionel Messi when asked to compare the two. He previously suggested it is "sufficient" to call Ronaldo "one of the best," relayed by the Mirror.
Addressing the comparison to Messi, Benitez originally stated: "It is like asking my daughter if she prefers my wife or me. The father or the mother. It's not easy."
These comments didn't come across as perhaps intended and instead suggested he rates the players at the same level. While this is fair enough, admitting it when you've just become Madrid boss is a huge mistake.
In his latest press conference, Benitez revealed his relationship with Ronaldo "is totally normal," per AS. He was questioned over his sudden change of heart when placing the ex-Manchester United player above Messi: "Seeing Cristiano close-up and watching him work, you can appreciate why he has won so many trophies. Clearly he is the best in the world."
Benitez could push Ronaldo from the left flank and into a striker's role next season. He's become prone to going quiet in matches, and unlike Messi, play isn't filtered through him.
That said, Ronaldo won a second consecutive Golden Shoe award last season after notching 48 goals in La Liga, so it's best to get him stationed in front of goal.
We can expect to see a more cautious and balanced Madrid next season. Former boss Carlo Ancelotti tried to force too many attacking stars into his startling lineup—underlined by his regular midfield three of Isco, Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez—but this strategy led to failures in the league, Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Benitez is meticulous in his organisation and will prioritise keeping a clean sheet just as much as scoring goals.
Neither Ronaldo nor Gareth Bale on the opposite flank was particularly willing to defend last term. Allowing both to focus all of their attention on smashing through the opposition could yield plenty of success for Madrid. If this is to happen, though, Benitez must thoroughly rejig the dynamic of those working deeper.
His latest comments on Ronaldo appear slightly forced and as if he doesn't want to make a bad impression. Having such icons on his side will be key to Benitez's tenure and the likelihood of Madrid catching up with the treble-winning Barcelona.
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