Rafael Benitez watched his side claim a rather unconvincing 2-1 win over Turkish side Galatasaray on Tuesday night and admitted there was still plenty of room for improvement.
Advertisement
Real Madrid went ahead in the 17th minute when defender Nacho Fernandez rose highest in the penalty area and nodded into the net from a Luka Modric corner.
There have also been questions raised over Barcelona’s defence during the pre-season, while Enrique has to decide whether Claudio Bravo or the truggling Ter Stegen is first choice in goal.
Although Barca have signed Arda Turan from Atletico and Aleix Vidal from Sevilla, they will not be able to play until January because of a Federation Internationale de Football Association ban and if Pedro Rodriguez departs to Manchester United, that could leave Barca’ s squad looking slightly short of numbers.
The pair missed Real’s Audi Cup matches in Munich as Ronaldo was suffering a back problem while Benzema injured his thigh.
Since the middle part of last season there has been sustained criticism of Bale’s place in the Madrid first team – a debate only heightened when the new coach announced that the former Tottenham star will play in a more central role this season. Ronaldo, for example, is an extraordinary top player.
The news may seem positive for Gunners fans, but with the transfer window’s closure fast approaching, there seems to be too much that has to be done for Arsene Wenger to land the Real Madrid’s man’s signature. “In the case of the striker, the same”.
Still, Bale also needs to be more vocal and passionate off the pitch.
“The team is doing well but we have a lot of improving to do”.
“It does not concern me”, said Benitez, who was making his debut at Real’s Bernabeu stadium, when asked about his team’s recent lack of goals.
Advertisement
“It was emotional as I pictured [the Bernabeu] as it was in other times, but mostly I was focused”.
