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Terry Gibson gives his view on Rafael Benitez’s start at Real Madrid

Rafael Benitez of Real Madrid
Image: Terry Gibson thinks the criticism of Rafael Benitez at Real Madrid is unfair

Terry Gibson gives his view on Rafael Benitez's first few months in charge at Real Madrid on this week's La Liga Weekly Podcast.

Real are unbeaten in Benitez's first nine games in charge, and they sit second in La Liga ahead of the match against Levante at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Gibson insists the criticism in some parts of the Spanish press for 'negative tactics' is somewhat unfair, and that Real Madrid should all be pulling the right direction.

La Liga Football

"He's getting put through the mill big time. He was criticised so much for the game against Atletico.

"I questioned the substitution against Atletico Madrid, bringing Benzema off and Kovacic on at 1-0 up. It didn't work and they conceded. But he did better than Ancelotti did at the Vicente Calderon.

I look at the press and think they're ganging up on him. I'm amazed at the levels of criticism at him.
Terry Gibson on Rafael Benitez

"When you look at the reasons they haven't scored goals, it's not because they are negative. They've had the opportunities, they've had the chances, had the attempts on goal, but they're not at their usual efficiency in front of goal. But that's not his fault.

"I look at the press and think they're ganging up on him. I'm amazed at the levels of criticism at him. They are picking up every little thing. They're not changing their tune.

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"I don't know what they expect, who will be the next one? Why would they disrupt a season that hasn't got going yet? It is constant.

"Real need to be pulling in the same direction. At the moment the impression I get from Real Madrid and the Madrid press is that is far from the case, and there is absolutely no reason whatsoever why they should be like that with Rafa Benitez at the moment.

"I was thinking: 'that's a good result' at Atletico. They played well. It does seem to me they are getting their teeth into Rafa Benitez at the moment, and unfairly."

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