Rafa Benitez: Real Madrid aren’t defensive

Rafa Benitez has rejected suggestions his Real Madrid team is too defensive and thinks they will start hitting the goals soon.

Los Blancos began their La Liga campaign with a 0-0 draw a promoted side Sporting Gijon last weekend – a match many had expected Madrid to win comfortably.

Since then, much has been made of the new manager’s team selection and tactics, with many questioning the decision not include James Rodriguez from the start and also trying to assess why the forwards are so out of form.

But at a press conference on Friday ahead of this weekend’s game against Real Betis, Benitez said his team was the most attacking last weekend when you look at the stats.

“Generating these debates after every match surprises me. .We drew 0-0 and people talk about a defensive team,” he said.

And he added: “Which team had the most shots last weekend? It was Real Madrid. If having more shots than your opponent is being defensive then I am lost. A draw is not defensive. It’s a match without the ability to hit the target.”

Questioned about whether all is well between him and James, the Spaniard said the attacking midfielder’s late arrival back from the Copa America means he is not quite up to speed yet.

“That’s all there is to it. Beyond that, there is a technical decision. There are people who want debates. I have a lot of confidence in James.”