Benitez unconcerned by misfiring Real Madrid attack

Published August 18, 2015 ” Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid host the Lions before the start of the La Liga regular season.

But Benitez has defended Bale, who was used in a more central role in the match. A poll done by the Madrid-affiliated Marca revealed a majority of fans want the Welsh forward Gareth Bale to be dropped from the starting XI for the trip to Sporting Gijon.

“I saw plenty of positives and if we play like that I will be happy, but we still have plenty of margin to improve which is positive”.

“We have come into good form and we’re going to have a good season and win titles”.

Benitez, who could not hide his emotions when he took over as coach at his boyhood club, has spent time carefully honing his team in pre-season games, changing formations and taking copious notes at each match.

James Rodriguez made little impact when he replaced Jese in the second half, while fullbacks Danilo and Marcelo were largely ineffective when they attacked down the wings.

The Spanish giants have won just one league title in the last seven years, but Benitez knows that expectations demand more than just a return to the domestic summit.

“Obviously the first half didn’t go well and while we had more possession and had more of the initiative in the second, our chances didn’t finish in goals and we weren’t able to kill off the game”, the Spain worldwide told reporters. Now, with Casemiro’s range of passing, the addition of Mateo Kovacic, who can operate in that area of the field, and a fully fit Modric, Kroos can be released to play as a No. 8.

“I think I have a great team and a great squad and as Real Madrid coach I am completely satisfied”, he said when asked if the world’s richest club by income planned any more business in the transfer market. Expect Real to score at least 3, while Galatasaray put 1 in the home teams’ goal.

Having earned automatic promotion from Segunda Division last season behind champions Real Betis, Gijon are embarking on their first top flight campaign since 2012.

The match began with a one-minute silence to commemorate the loss of legendary Real Madrid players’ families.