Emilio Butragueno retains confidence in Real Madrid Coach Rafa Benitez and wished injured Real Sociedad midfielder Sergio Canales a ‘speedy recovery.’
Former Madrid starlet Canales reportedly suffered a ruptured ACL as La Real lost 3-1 at Santiago Bernabeu, a game that saw two Madrid penalties, a number of Gero Rulli saves and more boos for the trainer.
“It seems the news [regarding Canales] isn’t good. We send him a big hug and wish a speedy recovery,” Butragueno said post-match, AS reports.
“The win was vital for us. The opposition at some points made us suffer. We had clear chances in the opening stages and Rulli was brilliant. He made four great saves.
“Had those goals gone in, the game would have been different. They were kept in the match very well.
“Who hasn’t missed a penalty? The best play of the game was Gareth Bale’s pass to Lucas Vazquez, and his control. The team can take pride in the second half and we took three very important points.”
Butragueno, the club’s director of institutional relations, was asked to compare the end of 2015 to the end of 2014, and if he retained faith in Benitez.
“Last year we reached this point with four trophies and went to win the Club World Cup. This year has been different,” he acknowledged.
“I hope 2016 is good because we do well in even years. We have to keep winning in Valencia.
“Confidence in Benitez? Absolutely.”