Real Madrid president: 'We have absolute faith in Benitez'

The Bernabeu club has no intention of sacking the Spanish coach, contrary to rumors that surfaced after the El Clasico match, where Real suffered a crushing defeat to Barca.

President Florentino Perez personally held a press conference on the evening of November 23rd to quell rumors surrounding the future of coach Rafa Benitez.

"We have met with the board and analyzed the current situation at Real Madrid. Rafa has the trust of all of us," Perez told reporters. "Rafa is talented and has only just started his work here. Let's give him time to achieve his goals."

Real Madrid's president steps forward to quell rumors surrounding the team. Photo: Reuters.

Benitez, 55, was appointed to manage Madrid after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked at the end of last season. He wasn't highly rated but did a very good job until the last two rounds. Real went on an unbeaten run, leading the Liga table until their defeat to Sevilla in round 11 and then a heavy 0-4 loss to Barcelona in round 12.

Spanish media reported that Benitez did not have the support of the players, particularly having conflicts with Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco. "The players didn't have a bad attitude. The whole team played poorly against Barca, but we can't question their attitude in such an important match," Perez denied that Real Madrid players deliberately played poorly to undermine Benitez.

The 68-year-old president added that Real Madrid had been having problems since January, under Carlo Ancelotti. The team began showing signs of stagnation, not just after Benitez took over. "Real Madrid has been struggling since January, and Rafa was chosen to bring success, to change the situation."

Benitez was booed by Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu after the defeat to Barcelona. Photo: AFP.

However, Perez still left open the possibility of sacking the coach if the situation worsens. "I'm only talking about the present. I can't say what will happen in the future. Nobody knows what will happen in the next six months," the Real Madrid president affirmed.

Los Blancos' next match is against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League this week, followed by a game against Eibar in La Liga.

According to VNE