Rafa Benitez Says Cristiano Ronaldo Is A 'Fundamental Player' For New-Look Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s new coach Rafa Benitez claims that Spanish football star Cristiano Ronaldo will remain as the club’s “fundamental player” after he vowed to make Los Blancos better on the defensive end. Benitez has been adamant about his intentions to give Real a new look in terms of its football tactics but would want to retain the club’s attacking traditions.

In the report of ESPN FC, Benitez will keep Ronaldo in his favoured position out on the left for the start of the season. However, Spanish sports newspapers Marca and Diario AS claimed that changes might be planned elsewhere with Gareth Bale likely to be moved into a central attacking role. Benitez has confessed he will hold talks with Ronaldo to figure out how to maximise the Spaniard’s talent.

"He's a fundamental player for us. By meeting him and starting to exchange our thoughts with each other, we will be able to progress in terms of the dynamic of the group and get to know him better, so as to get the best out of him and so that the team can make the most of everything he has to offer,” Benitez said.

Benitez has been the replacement for the sacked Carlo Ancelotti after a lackluster season of Real. The 55-year-old Spanish reminded his team that they will need to work on their defensive abilities if they are to end a trophy-less season, according to Daily Mail.

"I want Real Madrid to be Real Madrid. I want us to be a team that go out to win every game, that take the initiative, are assertive, that attack as well as in recent years and that defend a little bit better, to achieve that balance that will enable us to win more games and have a greater chance of winning trophies,” Benitez added.

Real is currently in Australia for a series of friendlies against AS Roma and Manchester City as part of the club’s preseason preparations. Ahead of their match against Roma, Benitez questioned the quality of the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s pitch saying that the condition of the surface was not ideal for the friendly match, as reported by Sydney Morning Herald. Benitez stressed that the pitch could impact the quality of the game, but still hopes that his players can give their “best.”

Los Blancos will also visit China to face Milan duo AC and Inter later in the summer. The club will kick off its La Liga season on August 15 against newly promoted Sporting Gijon at El Molinon.

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