New Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez already appears to be struggling to win over Cristiano Ronaldo — a development that is sure to alert Manchester United.
Ronaldo appeared to criticise Benitez’s training sessions on Wednesday as Real fine-tuned for this morning’s friendly against Manchester City in Melbourne. Spanish television recorded Ronaldo complaining: ‘Only the fouls by the Portuguese are seen,’ in Wednesday’s training session and he was also seen moaning about the final exercise of the session.
Diario AS claimed that during a long-distance crossbar challenge, Ronaldo could be heard making the point that the idea was to get the ball under the bar... ‘not this sh*t’. After the session Benitez was asked about their relationship and said: ‘My relationship with him is as it is with the other players. I speak a lot with all of them. It’s absolutely normal.’ When he was pushed on why Ronaldo seemed unhappy, he added: ‘He is very competitive and that is a virtue not a defect.’
Any friction between Benitez and Ronaldo will interest United, who would be happy to bring him back to Old Trafford.
Ronaldo was one of previous Real coach Carlo Ancelotti’s most vocal supporters and his tweet about a ‘great coach and amazing person... hope we work together next season,’ was not well received by president Florentino Perez, who sacked Ancelotti shortly afterwards.
The relationship between Ronaldo and Benitez is also strained by the former Liverpool manager being under pressure to increase the influence Gareth Bale has on the team. But moving Bale to play as a No 10 behind the main striker could potentially limit Ronaldo’s freedom of movement.
Benitez surprised reporters last week when asked if Ronaldo was the best in the world. The stock answer from Real Madrid coaches is ‘yes’. But Benitez said: ‘He is one of the best in the world. It’s difficult to pick the best. I think Cristiano, Bale, (Karim) Benzema or James Rodriguez are all there.’
He was given a chance to modify his answer ahead of the City game and said: ‘When you work with Ronaldo you realise how competitive he is. And that is why he is the best player in the world.’
When Ronaldo faces City all eyes will be on his position in the side. Benitez is still unsure of his No 9 for next season and Ronaldo has been used in that position in training this week, despite the fact he doesn’t want to play there. – Daily Mail