Rafa Benitez Reportedly Not Invited to Real Madrid Players' Christmas Dinner

In the absence of a second leg against Cadiz in the Copa del Rey round of 32, Real Madrid's players reportedly held their Christmas dinner on Wednesday—and did not invite manager Rafa Benitez or the club's other coaching staff.

That's according to Marca, the publication noting the "squad closed ranks around a dining table to find the strength they need" ahead of Los Blancos' final two games of the year.

Real are third in La Liga, five points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid after losing three of their last five games, most recently a 1-0 defeat away at Villarreal on Dec. 13.

Football journalist Rafael Hernandez detailed Los Merengues' poor form against bigger sides this season following Sunday's loss:

However, at least in the case of the Villarreal game, Hernandez said the players must bear their share of the responsibility as they failed to take numerous chances:

That the players are not turning to their manager for motivation is quite telling, though it is equally encouraging they're showing passion for the cause and a determination to turn around their fortunes as a team.

However, Santiago Siguero of Marca also reported Benitez is determined to shut out the speculation over his future and the negativity surrounding him and his side and is doing his best to keep up the spirits of his players and staff alike.

Per Siguero, he has repeatedly said: "I don't want to see anyone with their head down. We have five months left and we need to be going full steam ahead."

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Siguero—who noted that lifelong Madridista Benitez has realised a dream by taking over at the Bernabeu—also reported "those close to him on a daily basis say he is calm and focused, as keen as he was on his first day."

The Spaniard's efforts add a touch of poignancy to his struggles at the club and almost inevitable dismissal.

Based on these reports, it's clear everyone involved with Real is well aware that results and performances this season have not been good enough, which needs to change sooner rather than later if they're to have a chance at winning La Liga.

In order to achieve that, though, they all need to be pulling the same direction, so the manager needs to work harder to win over his players. Likewise, the squad needs to be prepared to work with him.