Rafa Benitez says his Real Madrid players are expecting a tough match when they take on Celta Vigo this afternoon.
Los Blancos and Celta are both unbeaten in the league after eight games, with the hosts proving to be somewhat of a surprise package so far this campaign.
Benitez will have much the same squad as he did for the midweek match against PSG, with the likes of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema all still unavailable.
At his press conference ahead of the game, Benitez said: “Celta haven’t been beaten yet and we’re expecting an exciting match. We know it will be an extremely difficult game. They’re a team that like to play high-intensity football and they’ll be feeling confident. They’re going to give it their all against us and will be spurred on even further because of where they are in the table. There’ll be plenty of intensity and excitement and we’ll have to match them in that regard.”
Reports in Spain have suggested the Los Blancos players are unhappy with the medical team at the Santiago Bernabeu believing the injury crisis is not being managed well enough.
But the boss defended his medical department saying: “Yes, I’m happy and satisfied with the work of the medical department. We have top-class specialists and I say that with over 20 years of experience in football. They are capable, eager and dedicated. They have resources and they’re the best I’ve ever worked with.
“The rigours and the high standards of competition can complicate matters and result in players overloading their muscles. There needs to be a distinction between injuries and overloaded muscles.”
