Skip to content

Rafa Benitez shrugs off Real Madrid exit talk after Valencia draw

Real Madrid's coach Rafael Benitez gestures on the sideline during the Spanish league football match Valencia CF

Real Madrid head coach Rafa Benitez deflected questions over his future after a 2-2 draw with his former club Valencia.

Benitez's side twice led at the Mestalla but were pegged back both times and also had Mateo Kovacic sent off in an eventful La Liga clash on Sunday.

Asked about his position, which has come under increasing scrutiny, Benitez tried to turn focus to the positive aspects of his team's performance.

He told reporters: "You are free to ask that question, but it is looking at it the wrong way. For the effort we deserve more praise than anything else.

"I cannot prevent speculation about whether I continue, but I can make the team work as it has today. We were capable of getting the three points."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

It was a frantic final minute at the Mestalla with both Real Madrid and Valencia having chances to win the game

Benitez felt Madrid deserved credit for going ahead after Kovacic's dismissal, although Gareth Bale's 82nd-minute header was quickly cancelled out by Paco Alcacer.

Real had also led in the first half through Karim Benzema but Daniel Parejo levelled from the penalty spot.

Also See:

He said: "With 10 players we had to make an effort, and the team has done. We can only regret that after going 2-1 ahead, we conceded in the next minute.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gareth Bale rose highest to put Real Madrid 2-1 ahead

"Maybe we were lacking a bit of concentration after we went 2-1 up or maybe the opposition reacted very well."

The result means Real are third in the table, four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid and two behind second-placed Barcelona, who have a game in hand.

Real defender Sergio Ramos came out in support of Benitez after the draw, telling Movistar+: "He has credit in the bank. Whoever the coach is, we'll always get behind them."

Around Sky