Rafael Benitez has insisted that he and Cristiano Ronaldo are on good terms, despite rumours suggesting that the two men had fallen out.
Real Madrid are currently on a pre-season tour of Australia, and are preparing to face Manchester City on Saturday. They lost their first match of the International Champions Cup to Roma on penalties, before the Giallorossi were themselves defeated by the Citizens on spotkicks.
However, Real’s preparation for their match against the 2014 Premier League champions has been somewhat overshadowed by rumours of a rift between Ronaldo and new Merengues coach Benitez.
According to the Express, the Portuguese superstar complained about the coach’s training methods, describing one crossbar challenge organised by the manager as ‘s**t’.
Ronaldo also accused the coach of prejudice against Portuguese players, with Ronaldo unimpressed at having a goal disallowed in training.
However, speaking to the media—via the Express—ahead of the clash with City, Benitez has sought to play down suggestions of a rift between player and coach.
“I am lucky to have had the opportunity to spend a few days with him (in Australia) and have chatted a lot,” the coach began.
“He is competitive and he wants to win. That’s the reason he is the best in the world.
“I would like all my players to be like that.”
READ MORE:
Chelsea close in on deal to sign €15m Serie A star as Blues prepare to sell attacking pair
Bayern Munich announce signing of Arturo Vidal from Juventus subject to medical
Man City close to completing deal to sign £50m assist-making machine
Rumours of a dispute between the pair may well only serve to intensify the suggestion that Real and Ronaldo are set for a parting of the ways.
The Portugal superstar has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain—with Le 10 Sport reporting that a €125m bid from the French giants is imminent—while Manchester United have also been linked with a move to bring the Old Trafford hero back to the Premier League [Metro].