The Media Is Against Real Madrid – Benitez

Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez says that speculation he could be sacked after Wednesday afternoon’s La Liga game at home to Real Sociedad is fuelled by a local media “campaign” against both him and club president Florentino Perez.

With Benitez’s future being widely questioned around the Spanish capital, there has been mounting speculation that the now-available Jose Mourinho could be back in the Bernabeu hotseat as early as this week.

Madrid’s players are also reportedly unhappy with Benitez’s methods, with AS claiming that while Benitez was spending Christmas with his family on Merseyside, dressing room heavyweights spoke with B-team coach Zinedine Zidane about stepping up to the first team job.

The Blancos coach told his pregame news conference that much of the news coverage of the club and his position was “invented and manipulated.”

“What is clear is that, there is a campaign against Florentino, against Real Madrid, against the coach of Real Madrid,” he said. “From there, all that can be criticised is criticised, and then there are things invented and manipulated.

“Anyone with experience can see that. Many people question my CV, after spending 11 years outside Spain. But we all know we must do a bit more, starting from me, then see what success comes. And judgement will happen at the end of the season.”

Benitez also rejected local media reports that he has had trouble with players including Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Marcelo, Karim Benzema, Isco and Jese.

“The relationship with the squad is infinitely better than what you read in the papers,” he said. “Among a squad of 24 there are some players who are happier than others, but that happens in every club.

“It seems that every technical decision is a personal call against the player — and speculation starts from there. The campaign is clear, anyone can see that.

“I cannot play with 12, but interpretation taken depends on whether you want to do damage or not. I cannot lose time on that, must focus on getting performance from my team.”