“I speak about Real Madrid when they are winning, not when they are losing”.
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However, there have been reports the construction magnate is not expected to heed their calls with local media reporting he will instead give his backing to under-fire coach Rafa Benitez.
More worrying for Benitez, however, was the manner of the Clasico capitulation, with Madrid lethargic and, at times, appearing disinterested as Barca cut through their flimsy back-line at will.
There were boos for their star player Cristiano Ronaldo, while there were regular chants for Perez to resign as president.
Another setback could mean the end of the line for the coach, no matter what the president says. “Benitez is the coach of the first team and things are fine like that”, the 43-year-old Zidane told Spanish media.
When asked if he stayed in the summer with a view to managing the first team in the future, he said: “I stayed because of Castilla”.
Xavi – who departed for Al-Sadd in the close-season after 17 trophy-laden years with the Barca first team – was thrilled with the Spanish champions” display even if they fell short of the five-goal “manita’.
He added following Sunday’s goalless draw with Barakaldo in Spain’s third tier: “I’m still lacking a lot, and anyway a coach is never ready”.
“I am doing things little by little and I am in no rush”. I don’t rush anything. “My present is Castilla”.
“Rafael Benitez is the chosen one to bring success to this squad that since January has struggled”.
“We must support Benitez”. Apart from the coach, some players such as Gareth Bale, Isco, Danilo and Cristiano Ronaldo also need a good display after being criticised for their poor performances against Barcelona. “These two defeats don’t change the sensation that we have in the team – that we are learning and growing”.
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“When you lose to Barcelona, the fans feel hurt and they want an explanation”. So for me, words about the Clasico? Let him keep working and he will achieve his objectives.
