Rafa Benitez Responds to Real Madrid Exit Rumours After 2-2 Draw with Valencia

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez was in a defiant mood after his team twice surrendered the lead against Valencia in La Liga on Sunday, drawing 2-2 at the Mestalla Stadium, and he deflected questions about his tenure at Los Blancos.

The Spaniard refused to be drawn on speculation about his future after the match but appeared content with his team's display, as quoted by the Press Association (via Sky Sports):

"

You are free to ask that question, but it is looking at it the wrong way. For the effort we deserve more praise than anything else.

I cannot prevent speculation about whether I continue, but I can make the team work as it has today. We were capable of getting the three points.

With 10 players we had to make an effort, and the team has done. We can only regret that after going 2-1 ahead, we conceded in the next minute.

Maybe we were lacking a bit of concentration after we went 2-1 up or maybe the opposition reacted very well.

"

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Real appeared to have won the game when Gareth Bale scored in the final 10 minutes, but Valencia struck back within 60 seconds as Benitez's defence went to sleep.

The Galacticos looked in fine shape going forward, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale supporting the potent Karim Benzema—who scored the opener—but the back line struggled as Los Che counter-attacked with menace as coach Gary Neville encouraged his selection to go for the jugular.

Benzema was the brightest spark for Benitez in the opening half, and ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan highlighted the Frenchman's recent contribution:

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

The draw left Real off the pace at the top of La Liga, four points behind leaders and local rivals Atletico Madrid.

The Galacticos' collective body language has not been overtly positive this term, as Benitez has sometimes tried to push his defensive style on his squad.

However, the attack was at its very best against Valencia despite the team's failure to acquire the win.

Sergio Ramos came out in support of his manager after the result, telling Movistar+ (h/t Marca): "[Benitez] has credit in the bank. Whoever the coach is, we'll always get behind them."

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

If the former Liverpool boss is to remain in charge at the Bernabeu, he must find a way of solidifying his defence in the January transfer window.

Pepe is 32, and looked his age against Los Che, giving away a cheap penalty before half-time. On paper, Madrid have a robust squad, but they are built to attack in a way that is antithetical to Benitez's preferred tactics.

A new centre-back should be considered in January, otherwise the manager will surely soon join the long list of failed coaches under president Florentino Perez.

Real must stay in touch with Atleti and Barcelona in the title race. If not, Perez will likely reassess the club's managerial options in the coming months.