“I pick my teams by trying to manage the group as best as possible”.
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They demolished Madrid, who they now lead by six points, thanks to their stars, but also the homegrown heroes like Roberto.
Perez will be making his first public comments since Saturday’s game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, when fans loudly jeered the president and Benitez during and after the match.
Perez said he understands the “disappointment of fans after what happened”, but asked them to “more than ever” display their “support to the team and to the players”. The billionaire is unlikely to be giving up his job anytime soon, but the fallout from the defeat could yet be substantial.
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.
By offering the head of Benitez, Perez could make a convenient scapegoat.
Madrid coach Rafael Benitez named an attacking startign XI but his decision backfired badly with the Barca midfielders able to pass their way through their rivals easily.
“I’m still lacking a lot, and anyway a coach is never ready”.
The news conference at the Bernabeu will come after a board meeting, the club said.
And Benitez staying would foster further speculation about the man who has always been the symbol for Real Madrid.
There has also been suggestions that star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, the club’s record goalscorer, is unhappy playing under Benitez.
On Monday, Real Madrid hastily called a press conference, where more might become clear. He had replaced Carlo Ancelotti.
The Portuguese, whose relationship with Benitez has been scrutinised by Spanish media, has not scored in three games. “He can become a great player”. At times he has looked disinterested, too, not least against Barcelona.
He admitted that he failed to live up to his potential for large parts of last season, but said that he was nearly grateful for the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and improve as a player, saying: “I feel like I’ve grown up”.
“(Ronaldo) is not happy.
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Bale has been linked with a return to England next year with Manchester United keen to pry the Welsh winger from Madrid. “There is not much to say really, we must work to lift spirits and get back on track in the next game”.
