Rafa Benitez: I tried to sign Gareth Bale for Liverpool

But the Real boss hit back, “Carragher has made the mistake of saying I preferred Riise when it wasn’t like that”. “It wasn’t the case”.

“Allardyce is what happens when you get a book in England… his opinion has little value”. If you’re lucky enough to support Los Blancos then your football existence will be mostly be filled with trophies, celebration, large winning margins and expensive transfer purchases.

While the ESPN FC crew seems to think highly of new Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce, Steve Nicol says the lack of depth in his new side may make it hard to avoid relegation.

“There is no problem between Cristiano and Bale”, the Madrid coach told Onda Cero.

Benitez criticised Ramos following Madrid’s 1-1 draw against rivals Atletico Madrid on 5 October, but said there has been no falling out.

Allardyce has said in his autobiography that Benitez’s 2005 Champions League triumph with Liverpool was “nowt to do with him”.

“We cannot miss more time with [Iker] or De Gea discussions”.

Real Madrid has been handed a boost ahead of its return to La Liga action with Sergio Ramos back in training with the team.

“I’m not surprised by Navas’ high level”.

Real Madrid have scored 20 goals in the last 6 meetings with Levante.

While Barnett also said that there is no problem between the £80million men, the overwhelming feeling in Madrid is that the two don’t see eye-to-eye, despite Benitez weighing in with the latest denial.

“We know how to control Benzema to be well”.

Benitez has moved to end speculation that he has fallen out with the influential defender by claiming to have “fought” to keep him from joining Manchester United as it seemed he was considering doing.

“We have zero problems between us”. He’s the captain and a phenomenon and he has to prove himself constantly.