Real President: 'We have absolute trust in Benitez'

The Bernabeu team has no intention of firing the Spanish coach as rumors spread after the El Clasico match, where Real lost miserably to Barca.

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

"We had a board meeting and analysed the situation at Real Madrid. Rafa has the confidence of all of us," Perez told reporters. "Rafa has talent and has just started his work here. Let's give him time to achieve his goals."

Real Madrid president comes out to quell rumors surrounding the team. Photo: Reuters.

Benitez, 55, was appointed to lead Madrid after coach Carlo Ancelotti was fired at the end of last season. He was not highly rated but did a very good job until the last two rounds. Real went through a series of unbeaten matches, topping the Liga table until losing to Sevilla in round 11 and then losing 0-4 to Barca in round 12.

Spanish press reported that Benitez did not receive support from the players, especially because of conflicts with Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco. "The players did not have a bad attitude. The whole team played badly against Barca but we cannot question their attitude in such an important match," Mr. Perez denied that Real players deliberately played badly to bring down Benitez.

The 68-year-old president added that "Los Blancos" had problems since January, under Carlo Ancelotti. The team started to show signs of not improving, not when Benitez took over. "Real Madrid were in trouble since January, and Rafa was the one chosen to bring success, to change the situation."

Benitez was booed by Real fans at the Bernabeu after losing to Barca. Photo: AFP.

However, Mr. Perez still left open the possibility of firing the coach, if the situation worsens. "I'm only talking about the present. I can't say what will happen in the future. No one knows what will happen in the next six months," the Real president affirmed.

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

According to VNE