Rafa Benitez has said that only Cristiano Ronaldo is guaranteed a place in the Real Madrid team as he is on a level above the rest of the squad.
Benitez appeared before the Press in advance of Madrid’s game against Athletic Bilbao and the discussion turned to Gareth Bale and rotations in the team.
“I talk to Bale in English and he understands what is needed to be competitive. This is a special group. They know Cristiano gets 60 goals a season and that’s a bonus,” the Coach said, AS reports.
“When I compared him to [Spain basketball international] Pau Gasol I meant that we have a great team and a player who makes the difference.
“Cristiano was the one who ran the most against Espanyol. He’ll tire and he has to be managed. He’s fine today. Here there is only one indisputable player and that’s Cristiano, the rest are good players.
“I don’t favour anybody. It’s about helping someone score 60 goals a season. Karim Benzema is scoring too. Above all the team has to be balanced.”
Madrid’s visit to Santiago Bernabeu could see Ronaldo become the club’s record scorer and Keylor Navas set a record for clean sheets.
“I want to win. I’m not obsessed with not conceding. If we don’t concede I’ll be happy and if Cristiano scores five I’ll be happy too,” Benitez continued.
“Sergio Ramos? He’s not 100%. I talked to him this morning and I’m not sure [if he’ll be fit].”