Rafa Benitez insists he is not feeling under any extra pressure as Real Madrid look to get their title challenge back on track in Sunday’s home encounter against Rayo Vallecano.
Los Blancos suffered their third league defeat of the season with last weekend’s 1-0 reverse at Villarreal, leaving them five points adrift of leaders Barcelona and Atletico.
Real’s lapses have increased the heat on Benitez, who has never been fully accepted by many Madrid fans after being appointed to replace the popular Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.
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Indeed, Jose Mourinho’s sacking at Chelsea earlier this week has resulted in speculation the Portuguese coach could be in line for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu, further turning up the heat on Benitez ahead of today’s final game before the Christmas break.
Benitez said: “I don’t feel under any more pressure now. Fortunately, I have spent many years working and winning titles in three countries and important leagues, so I have plenty of experience.
“Those years taught me about respect, work and effort and that is what I do. I am going to keep defending Real Madrid with my work and respect.”
Benitez also claims to be unconcerned about the potential for negativity from home fans following last weekend’s setback. The former Napoli coach has been jeered by sections of the crowd when his name was announced before their last two home games.
He added: “The crowd know how important they are for us. They have to forget about everything else and support the team.”
Nothing less than a convincing victory will be expected against a visiting Rayo side who have dropped into the relegation zone with a run of three consecutive defeats.
Paco Jemez’s men are well-known for their gung-ho attacking approach, and it is no big surprise that Rayo have the joint worst defensive record in La Liga after conceding 27 goals in 15 games.
Rayo’s last two trips to the Bernabeu have both seen them concede five goals, but Benitez emphasised their attacking threat rather than focusing on their defensive frailties, saying: “Rayo are a side that goes forward, they play attacking and open football.
“Therefore we have to be attentive in defence and make the most of our quality in attack.
“We have worked well in training, and we even had to reduce the length of the session because the players were training with so much intensity. I am optimistic.”