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Rafa Benitez: “Key to Real Madrid winning El Clasico is to attack”
Well, as long as that’s all there is to it.
Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Rafa Benitez often gives interesting interviews in his day-before press conference for big matches, and his first chat as the manager of Real Madrid ahead of another El Clasico didn't disappoint. When asked what his strategy and the key to victory would be for this match, his answer was -- well, just read it.
Madrid always has to attack, to outscore our opponents, threaten the opposition keeper and score goals. Whoever it is we’re up against. We don’t worry too much about the opponents.
You have to outscore your opponents to win, and you have to attack them to do it? Wow. Shocking, that.
This a pretty characteristic quote from Benitez, who also bristled at the press over his reputation as a defensive manager and that his players were forcing him to play more aggressively going forward. If there is such a thing as a “stereotypically Rafa” press conference, this was it.
In the news
Pretty much all of Manchester United’s attack is out injured, and the one “healthy” striker can’t play 90 minutes. (Guardian)
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is ready to be booed heavily by Real Madrid fans in El Clasico. (Marca)
Former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes could soon be on his way back to La Liga, with a move to Barcelona-based club Espanyol rumored to be in the works. (Daily Star)
Jose Mourinho is certain he still has the trust of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. (BBC)
Serie A club Napoli recorded over €13 million in losses last season, breaking an eight-year streak of earning profits. (Gazetta World)
Luis Robles was named MLS Goalkeeper of the year. (ESPN FC)
You should be reading
Ian Wright shares why he thinks that Raheem Sterling was right to leave Liverpool. (BBC)
Sid Lowe looks at how Neymar has turned Lionel Messi’s healthy status for El Clasico into a luxury instead of a necessity. (Guardian)
Miguel Delaney thinks that Tottenham Hotspur might have a real chance at finishing in the top four of the Premier League this season. (ESPN FC)
What to watch on Friday (click for listings, all times ET)
Bundesliga: Hamburger SV vs. Borussia Dortmund (2:30 p.m.): HSV’s hot start has worn off, so Dortmund will be hoping to pick up a big road win in order to keep pace with Bayern.
Ligue 1: OGC Nice vs. Olympique Lyon (2:30 p.m.): Nice have been riding a hot hand, but if Lyon want to be able to mount any kind of title challenge, they can’t afford to let PSG’s 10-point lead get any larger.
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