Having been confirmed as Real Madrid coach, Rafael Benitez is believed to already be outlining his first-team plans for the Spanish giants.
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According to Catalan daily Mundo Deportivo, Benitez is ready to mix things up at the Bernabeu as he seeks to turn the side’s fortunes around.
After winning their tenth European Cup in 2013, when they beat rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final, Real have failed to build on their success.
They again came up short in La Liga this season as Barcelona claimed the Spanish title, while they were eliminated in the final four of Europe’s premier club competition after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Juventus in the semi-final.
As he looks to bring honours back to Real, Benitez is planning to reshuffle his pack.
The Spanish source report that he is keen to employ Ronaldo as a centre-forward, allowing Bale to take his preferred berth on the left flank. The Welshman starred at Tottenham Hotspur in this capacity and Benitez wants to help the forward overcome his disappointing year and replace the Portuguese superstar as Real’s top man.
Benitez’s reported vision creates a potential problem for Karim Benzema, who would likely be replaced as Real’s striker.
It remains to be seen whether Benitez will look to incorporate the French international into his side as a second striker or as a substitute, or if the former Olympique Lyonnais man will leave the club.
Arsenal and Manchester United are just two of the sides to have been linked to the striker, according to the Mirror.