Rafa Benitez Responds to Cristiano Ronaldo Rumours, Real Madrid Criticism, More

Under-fire Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has come out in a defiant mood in the face of heavy criticism following his team's 4-0 defeat at home on Saturday to hated enemy Barcelona in El Clasico.  

Benitez insisted on Tuesday he won't change his tactics. He also stressed he's not at odds with star player Cristiano Ronaldo. Benitez even stated he retains the help of club president Florentino Perez.

Speaking about Ronaldo, Benitez stressed how important Madrid's talisman is to his plans, according to ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

Speculation has been rife all is not well between manager and star player, with Los Blancos embroiled in a poor run of form. Spanish publication AS recently quoted reports from Fox and Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport suggesting Ronaldo had issued the Spanish club's board an ultimatum, demanding Benitez be sacked.

Ronaldo certainly hasn't warmed to the cautious tactics and slower style of player Benitez loves to employ, particularly in big matches. Ronaldo has scored 13 goals in 16 appearances in La Liga and UEFA Champions League action this term, as noted by WhoScored.com. But he's looked far from comfortable, particularly when Benitez has moved him through the middle.

Yet, despite the club's main man looking lost, Benitez insisted he won't alter his tactics, no matter how loud the criticism gets, per Corrigan:

In a sense, Benitez is right to stand by his beliefs. No manager can survive long without sticking to his principles. The problem for Benitez is those principles aren't yielding results.

Yet, he insisted things aren't as bad as they appear. Benitez is content to write off Madrid's recent losses as a temporary blip, rather than signs of a deeper malaise:

Without better performances and results, though, he and his principles won't have the support they need.

For now, at least, Benitez remains confident he has the backing and the assistance of Perez:

The president gave his endorsement of Benitez in an earlier press conference, according to BBC Sport's Andy West. He noted how Perez still seems content to criticise Benitez's predecessor:

No matter Perez's view, sacking La Decima winner Carlo Ancelotti was a terrible mistake. The Italian had the support of key players and preached an expansive brand of football, one akin to Madrid's finest traditions.

Now, Los Blancos find themselves stuck with a more pragmatic coach who appears to be having a tough time winning over the significant figures within the squad.

Benitez may be defiant. Perez may be happy. But these aren't fixed positions. Without major improvements on the pitch and in the results column, former Liverpool and Chelsea gaffer Benitez will be shown the door this season.