Rafa Benitez has revealed he and Cristiano Ronaldo are “adapting to each other” after reports claiming the Real Madrid forward was not happy with the coach.
Benitez took over at Madrid this summer after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked in May, though the former Liverpool and Chelsea coach has come under criticism for his tactics, the 4-0 Clasico home defeat to Barcelona, and for Madrid being thrown out of the Copa del Rey due to fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz.
Reports in the Spanish media have repeatedly suggested that Ronaldo is unhappy with Benitez’s style, and the forward — who has been criticised despite scoring 21 goals in 20 games this season — said earlier this week that he misses Ancelotti and would love to work with the Italian again.
However, Benitez says his understanding with Ronaldo is developing, and remains confident of building a strong bond with the Portugal captain — who scored four against Malmo in midweek — as he prepares his side to face Villarreal on Sunday.
Asked about his relationship with Ronaldo, Benitez told his prematch news conference: “My relationship with the dressing room is very good, even if there are people who say the opposite.
“Working together closely day in, day out allows the players to appreciate what the coaching staff are doing. We’re getting to know each other and adapting to each other. That time spent together can only be beneficial for the team.
“I’m not going to go into his problems because he has already spoken on the matter. He always performs well for me and he’s back scoring goals now. Now he’s rediscovered his eye for goal I can relax because that will boost his confidence and help him to score even more.”
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