… as pressure mounts on Rafael Benitez
The race for the La Liga title is still very tight, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid locked on 35 points on top of the table, and with just 15 games played, soccer pundits are playing down the chances of Los Blancos to compete for the La Liga trophy.
Madrid-based papers Marca and AS both lead with this story on their front pages of Wednesday’s editions.
Marca’s headline reads ‘Prepared’ as they report that Zidane is ready to take on the great Real challenge and isn’t afraid of the idea of taking charge of Real midway through the season.
The publication adds though that despite Zidane’s willingness, Benitez’s stance is that he doesn’t wish to throw in the towel and is haranguing the squad to recover their fighting spirit.
Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Villarreal leaves Real third in La Liga – five points adrift of eternal rivals Barcelona after 15 matches.
And AS point to these standings as a reason why Benitez is increasingly under pressure.
Real Madrid’s Sunday night loss to Villareal has hipped more pressure on Rafael Benitez and put his future at Real Madrid in doubt.
Benitez is under more pressure than ever as Real Madrid manager after his side slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Villarreal on Sunday night.
Benitez’s tenure as Real Madrid manager could be coming to an end very soon with club legend Zinedine Zidane waiting in the wings.
The lack of ability to control the game from midfield was highlighted in the wake of the loss, and having kept Toni Kroos on the bench, the former Liverpool manager is beginning to feel the heat of harsh media criticism.
Speaking on the ‘El Larguero’ show on Cadena SER radio after the match, General Manager of Real Madrid Jorge Valdano said that the team is “paying for the disconnect that exists between the team and the coach” and that they played with a level of “mediocrity” that was not befitting of a Madrid team.
Marca have claimed that this is the worst Madrid team since the 2008/09 side, which won eight, drew two and lost five of its first 15 matches. With nine wins, three draws and three defeats so far this season, they are slightly better off than two seasons ago, but still managed to finish second on the League table and won the Copa del Rey.
According to reports around Europe, the Spanish giants’ patience with Benitez is wearing thin with Real’s Castilla boss Zidane seen as the possible replacement.
The reports also had it that club president Florentino Perez has signaled serious warning to Benitez that his performance on the team is below expectations.
Over in France, the story is the front cover of Wednesday’s L’Equipe too.
“Real vote for Zidane,” is the headline of their publication as they claim that Benitez has lost the confidence of Madrid leaders, who might sack him if the club drops more.
But looking at their performance this season, Real have lost to top three sides; suffered 3-2 defeat to Sevilla, followed by 0-4 home defeat in the hands of Barcelona and recent loss to Villarreal.
Nevertheless, Benitez’s side have been impressive in the Champions league so far where they finished unbeaten with sixteen point, scored nineteen goals in six games to crown the group winner.
The tenth time Champions League winner is up against a tough and tricky draw against Italian side AS Roma in a place for the quarter finals.
Benitez will be hoping to silence his critics on Sunday when his side host city rivals Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday afternoon.
The former Liverpool may be under more pressure within the coming weeks if results and performances on the pitch don’t improve very quickly.
Will Benitez still be in charge of Real Madrid till February 2016? I guess time will tell.
Anthony Nlebem & Alaka Shittu
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