Rafael Benitez not worried over Real Madrid's loss

Rafael Benitez began his Real Madrid pre-season with a loss to AS Roma on penalties

Melbourne, July 19 (IANS): Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez was not unduly worried after seeing his side go down to Italian football club AS Roma in a penalty shootout to give his first game as in-charge a disappointing end.

Fielding a side without several key players here on Saturday, Real Madrid paid the price for some missed chances, although Benitez explained there was no need for panic, reports Xinhua.

"As always, happens at the start of a pre-season. You have to realise we have only been working for five days and there were a lot of positives. We created chances, but failed to take them. But we are speaking of just five days of work," said the coach, who was satisfied with the defensive work.

"The most positive thing about the game was the pressure we put them under. We still lack the fitness to have taken advantage of that. Maybe we controlled the game more in the first half but we showed good energy after the break."

Benitez highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo who, he said, had "a good attitude as well as the other players". The coach admitted he would be able to draw more conclusions about youngster Jese Rodriguez "when he has better rhythm".

One player who may find his Madrid future limited is Lucas Silva and Benitez hinted that the Brazilian's lack of an European Union (EU) passport could be a factor when it comes to making a final decision on who will stay and who will go in an over-booked midfield. "He is not from the EU and we have to make some decision," said Benitez.