Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship with Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has supposedly suffered a further blow. Reports in Spanish media revealed that the Portuguese forward got annoyed and walked out of the room after he was asked by Benitez to go through a biometric analysis in order to improve his free-kick scoring rate.
The three-time Ballon d’Or winner recently scored from a free-kick in Champions League’s last group stage match against Malmo, in which Los Blancos triumphed 8-0. Ronaldo equalled Juninho’s record of scoring the maximum number of goals from a direct free-kick, with 10 goals. But the Brazilian took just 97 attempts to score 10 direct free-kick goals while the former Manchester United star had 146 attempts before equalling the ex-Lyon star’s record.
The 30-year-old ended a 13-month long free-kick drought earlier in April when he scored against Eibar which was his first free kick goal in 57 attempts. Another eight months of drought followed before he scored the one against Malmo.
The relationship between Ronaldo and Benitez has been under stress since reports emerged last month that the Portuguese was unhappy with the ex-Liverpool boss’ tactics. Reportedly, the player said that ‘the club will win nothing with him’.
Real Madrid have had a torrid season under Rafa Benitez thus far as they lie five points behind league leaders Barcelona. The Blancos succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Villarreal at Estadio el Madrigal on Sunday, which was a big setback in their quest to win La Liga.
The Blaugrana also trounced Madrid 4-0 in November at the Santiago Bernabeu and such results have raised further questions about Benitez’s managerial job. Real now lie five points behind league leaders Barcelona and have already lost three matches in 15 match weeks thus far.
The defeat against the Catalan giants prompted a lot of hue and cry from Madrid supporters to sack the Spaniard. However, club’s president Florentino Perez rejected the notion that Benitez would be sacked in a press conference back in November and showed the club’s full support towards him.
“We have analysed the sports situation. Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has all our support and trust,” Perez said.
“The solution to this is Rafa Benitez. We signed him to turn things around. We think he is the right person. But we must let him work, not listen to those making up lies that board doesn't want him, or the players don't want him.
“He has a good relationship with the players, with the board, and me in particular. We understand the anger of fans after Saturday, but ask for support for our players.”
