Sergio Ramos Responds to Rafa Benitez After Atletico vs. Real Madrid Criticism

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has hit back at criticism made by Los Blancos boss Rafael Benitez, insisting his substitutions were to blame for surrendering a lead in the recent clash with local rivals Atletico Madrid.

As reported by SPORT, Benitez highlighted Ramos’ mistake that allowed Atletico to get a penalty in the game with Real leading 1-0, Antoine Griezmann eventually missed the kick, but the hosts did level later on through Luciano Vietto, and Ramos thinks the manager’s in-game decisions were costly:

"

It's fine to talk about my mistake, but what about [Benitez's] substitutions. We all make mistakes, but nobody makes them on purpose. My mistake had nothing to do with the [final] result. It happens to us all—players and managers.

Mistakes over my career have helped me learn. It was a silly mistake, that’s all, there is no need to go into it any further. 

"

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Indeed, in the aftermath of the match, the majority of criticism from Madridistas has been directed the way of Benitez rather than Ramos. The decision from the Spaniard to field a more defensive system at the Vicente Calderon, using Casemiro alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to bolster the midfield, didn’t sit well with many.

Benitez also made some interesting substitutions, withdrawing Isco for Gareth Bale and then Karim Benzema for Mateo Kovacic in the second half.

As noted by Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC, Benitez’s plan to strangle the flow of the game seemed to be working wonderfully until Atleti scrambled in a late equaliser:

One player who knows Benitez better than most was on the opposite side on Sunday in Fernando Torres. The striker enjoyed arguably the finest spell of his career under the tutelage of the Los Blancos boss during their time together at Liverpool and has insisted he is not a conservative coach.

“Benitez isn't defensive,” said Torres, speaking at a publicity event, per Luis Aznar of Marca. “He's a great coach and if he's given some time, the results will come.”

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To brand Benitez as negative and defensive may be a little bit harsh, but he’s certainly a pragmatic manager.

In addition, trying something different in this fixture, when Real were handsomely beaten 4-0 last season, shouldn’t be castigated. While Madridistas want to see their team flying forward in every game, getting out of the Calderon with a point these days is a fine effort.

The defensive side of this team is much improved too, which is going to be imperative if Real are to challenge for major honours this season, per Sky Sports Statto:

While the style of play employed by Benitez isn’t quite in line with the club’s principles, having a solid base will eventually bring the best out of attacking talents such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema. As such, at the moment they look big favourites for the La Liga crown, especially given Barcelona's problems.

You worry things may be starting to unravel for Benitez at Real already, though. Ramos, the newly appointed club captain, coming out and making a snappy remark about the manager doesn’t paint the picture of a boss who has an authoritative grip on the squad. So if the sparkle doesn’t come back in the coming weeks, these minor cracks could quickly widen into something much more serious.