Real Madrid’s catastrophic loss to Barcelona on Saturday won’t cost Rafa Benitez his job as head coach.
Florentino Perez, Real Madrid’s president, said Monday in a hastily arraigned press conference he supports Benitez and his work. Perez’s vote of confidence comes in the aftermath of his club’s 4-0 defeat, which had some fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium calling on him to resign.
“We have analysed the sports situation,” Perez said, according to ESPN. “Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has all our support and trust.”
Real Madrid hired Benitez in June after firing Carlo Ancelotti, who led the club to the UEFA Champions League title in 2013-14 and was popular among leading players.
Benitez’s Real Madrid sits third in the La Liga (Spanish first division) standings after 12 games. Real Madrid trails first-place Barcelona by six points, but many fans already have soured on Benitez.
However, Perez isn’t ready to jettison Benitez just yet, despite the criticism that has reached a boiling point this week.
“The solution to this is Rafa Benitez. We signed him to turn things around. We think he is the right person. But we must let him work — not listen to those making up lies that board doesn’t want him, or the players don’t want him.
“He has a good relationship with the players, with the board, and me in particular. We understand the anger of fans after Saturday, but ask for support for our players.”
Benitez officially has received the vote of confidence from his superiors. He should take heed, as such statements never come twice.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@GoalUK
