Regardless of whether we’re talking about the players who he does play, or those he doesn’t, neither group can stand Rafa Benítez. Such is the rapport between the Real Madrid dressing room and their coach.
From the outset, Benítez was fighting a losing battle and with time things have only got worse for the Madrid-born coach. If the dressing room were to vote about whether they wanted him to remain at the helm, he’d be lucky if five or six players voted in his favour. It’d be a landslide “No” victory.
In fact, the former Napoli coach has not been able to count on the support of his players for some weeks now, and the feeling is very much as if he is on borrowed time.
In fairness, Benítez has suffered from the fact he has been unable to rid the heritage left by Ancelotti at the club. This hasn’t been a problem of his own making; it was already there when he was appointed. Nevertheless, since his appointment, the 50-year-old has been unable to connect with the dressing room. The problems that he has had with several of the players have gradually seen his allies diminish in numbers. His training methods, his comments about Ancelotti, and his relationship with Dr.Olmo have all caused irreparable damage.
The powers that be at the Bernabéu are attempting to rally round in support of Benítez. They are well aware of the issues between him and the dressing room, and they are prepared to support their man as they seek desperately not to have to bring a new coach in half way through the season.
