The 4-0 score, which came thanks to two goals from Luis Suarez, plus goals from Neymar and Andres Iniesta, hardly reflects Barca’s display in which they totally dominated from start to finish. “The main thing is that we at least come away with a point”, he told the club’s official website.
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Luis Enrique said: “It will be a very different game now we’re back on home turf”. It has to have consequences.
Consequently, Madrid are now believed to be considering Benitez’s position, the only issue being whether to pull the plug now or at the end of the season. “We have been effective and played a very good match here”.
“Of course, Rafa is not the only one to blame, but it’s nearly much easier to get rid of the manager”.
The 35-year-old, now plying his trade in Qatar, feels Barca handed their rivals an “incredible” footballing lesson, and were mightily impressive as they extended their lead at the top of the Spanish standings to six points.
“I try to manage my group the best I can”. It’s not the time to analyse individual mistakes. We didn’t play to the standards of this crest.
“Our idea was to squeeze possession and to take advantage of having players with experience”. It wasn’t a question of attitude.
“We created a lot of chances after the first goal”. The chance for Marcelo was a key point.
At half time we spoke about lifting our game and finding a goal.
“It’s a hard moment and we have to pick ourselves up and try to improve”. “What worries me is the team recovering mentally before the next game”.
The European champions are now eight games without a defeat and have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five, and Ivan Rakitic – who returned to the team against Madrid following a calf injury – wants to sustain that form for as long as possible.
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French legend and Real Madrid reserve team coach Zinedine Zidane has played down suggestions he could be set to replace the under-pressure Rafael Benitez in the top job at the Santiago Bernabeu.
