Former Real Madrid player and general manager Jorge Valdano says star striker Cristiano Ronaldo is disillusioned with life under Rafa Benitez and is currently playing under protest.
The 30-year-old has featured in a more central role in the team this season, moving in from the left, where he played with so much success under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.
While his goalscoring figures are still impressive – eight goals in 11 La Liga games – it is slightly distorted by the fact he netted five goals in one game against Espanyol back in September. He failed to score against Sevilla at the weekend – the seventh time he has drawn a blank in the league so far this campaign.
Speaking to Cadena Ser, Valdano said Ronaldo wants to be moved back out to his favoured position and is unhappy playing under Benitez.
“Ronaldo would prefer to be playing out on the left like he’s always done. It’s hard to know if it’s because he’s not scoring, or his position, but he’s not enjoying playing at the moment. He’s playing under protest,” he commented.
Ronaldo last month became Real’s all-time leading goalscorer, overtaking previous holder Raul when he netted a brace in the Champions League against Swedish outfit Malmo.
Real Madrid current manager is just bunch, He has already failed tactically. Management should sack him immediately to avoid Barcelona dominance in Europe. His formations are not just good for the team. Almost all the players are not happy his style of play. Madrid needs someone like Antilotti, Jose Mourinho, Klopp, Pep Gadiolla and not Raphael Beniteze. Madrid wake up! Stop sleeping. You are breaking our hearts in Africa
It appears Rafa Benitez doesn’t know where to play his players especially CR7. What a mess! People who have not study coaching will tell you your methods are not good for the most powerful team in the world. Look at what Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti did in their term at Real. Real Madrid should sack this good for nothing coach since a CLUB like Madrid deserves someone better not Rafa. He is not just good, APUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
I was one of the fans that wished the departure of Carlo Anceloti. But today, i have to admit that R. Benitez is not the right man for the Real Madrid. It’s really unbelievable that the team is having so much difficulties to gear up. Is it a coaching issue or players issue ????. The president has to react fast…. Hala Madrid.
I never support the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti & I will neva ever support the signing of dis figure head coach called Benitez….