Rafa Benitez: We need to united and work hard

Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez says everybody at the club needs to stay united and work harder after the team were humiliated by Barcelona in the Clasico.

Goals from Luis Suarez (2), Andres Iniesta and Neymar saw the champions leave the Santiago Bernabeu six points clear of their rivals in the title race. But it was the manner of Real’s performance that was so shocking – no midfield cover, an isolated front three, and some defending that is usually associated under 9’s football.

Speaking after the match, beleaguered boss Benitez said his team have every intention of going out to attack and take the game to Barca, but everyone went wrong on the night.

“Whenever we win or lose we all have a part to play in the result. It hurts us a lot to lose in this manner and against a team like Barcelona. What we need now is to be united, work hard, improve and think about the upcoming game, as well as win the next three points that are up for grabs for us in La Liga to stay in the title race,” he stated.

And he added: “We wanted to attack, press and win possession high up the pitch. We managed to that on a few occasions but not on others, and were made to pay for that.”

Asked whether the defeat was as a result of poor attitude from some of his player, the manager responded: “I wouldn’t say it had anything to do with attitude. We were up against a great side; we made mistakes and were made to pay for them. Marcelo’s chance at the beginning of the second half was a pivotal moment. If that had gone in we would have been back in the match.

“That’s what we spoke about at half time. After that it became more and more difficult to find a way back into the game, mentally speaking. What I’m most concerned about now is getting the team to recover mentally in time for the next match.”