Rafa Benitez was not one of the most popular choices for the post of manager of Real Madrid this season. However, the former Madrid B team coach did get the job finally and the fact that he was emotional during his unveiling was understandable.
Benitez has a great track record with the likes of Valencia, Liverpool and even Chelsea in the short stint that he was there. However, his time in the Italian Serie A cannot be considered in the same way particularly in the case of Inter Milan. The fact that this is Real Madrid and emotions do not play a very important role in a club where it is all about instant success should be considered vital.
To be fair to the manager, Real Madrid did enjoy a good start to the season remaining unbeaten in the league till the defeat they suffered to Sevilla. Madrid were not the most entertaining side in the league but Benitez had managed to bring about a good defensive organization to the squad. However, that defence was split wide open initially by Sevilla and even more by Barcelona.
The future of Madrid managers are often decided by the Clasicos. The fact that Benitez has failed in his first Clasico at home has put his job in the firing line. Madrid were not just beaten but were humiliated by Barcelona. The fact that Barcelona could score more goals in that game just shows how bad Madrid performed at the Bernabeu.
Some of the decisions of the manager did not help either. This would be an even greater worry for the Madrid faithful, Sergio Busquets literally dominated that midfield and the fact that he was allowed to do that raises serious questions. Benitez chose to remove his best two on field players at an important period in the game substituting James Rodriquez and Marcelo for Isco and Carvajal .The manager just chose to ignore the anonymous Danilo at right back. Such poor decisions question the tactical flexibility of the manager and his big game prowess.
The only hope for Benitez is the fact that former Madrid manager Mourinho was offered sufficient time after a heavy defeat in his first Clasico. However, time is running out for Rafa and he would need to bring about a turn around as soon as possible. In case he fails, he would most likely be replaced by another Madrid B team coach in Zidane.
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| Rafa Benitez |
To be fair to the manager, Real Madrid did enjoy a good start to the season remaining unbeaten in the league till the defeat they suffered to Sevilla. Madrid were not the most entertaining side in the league but Benitez had managed to bring about a good defensive organization to the squad. However, that defence was split wide open initially by Sevilla and even more by Barcelona.
The future of Madrid managers are often decided by the Clasicos. The fact that Benitez has failed in his first Clasico at home has put his job in the firing line. Madrid were not just beaten but were humiliated by Barcelona. The fact that Barcelona could score more goals in that game just shows how bad Madrid performed at the Bernabeu.
Some of the decisions of the manager did not help either. This would be an even greater worry for the Madrid faithful, Sergio Busquets literally dominated that midfield and the fact that he was allowed to do that raises serious questions. Benitez chose to remove his best two on field players at an important period in the game substituting James Rodriquez and Marcelo for Isco and Carvajal .The manager just chose to ignore the anonymous Danilo at right back. Such poor decisions question the tactical flexibility of the manager and his big game prowess.
The only hope for Benitez is the fact that former Madrid manager Mourinho was offered sufficient time after a heavy defeat in his first Clasico. However, time is running out for Rafa and he would need to bring about a turn around as soon as possible. In case he fails, he would most likely be replaced by another Madrid B team coach in Zidane.
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