Thursday 30 July 2015

Benitez open to further Real Madrid signings - but stays silent on De Gea

The former Napoli boss says it is not his place to comment on the Manchester United goalkeeper but would not rule out more summer arrivals

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez refused to be drawn on David de Gea's future but admits he will welcome further signings this summer.
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has claimed this week that speculation over the goalkeeper's possible move to Madrid is not doing any favours to either club, though he accepted the Spain international may well be keen on a transfer.
Benitez, however, told reporters on Thursday that De Gea's future "is a question for Van Gaal and De Gea" before adding that he is happy with the three goalkeepers currently at his disposal.
Speaking after his side's penalty shootout win over AC Milan, he said: "I had a great keeper in the first half [Keylor Navas], a very good keeper in the second [Kiko Casilla], and another very good one waiting... on the bench [Pacheco]."


The former Napoli and Liverpool boss would not rule out further additions this summer, however.
"It's a good squad, we have to work with them. If someone else arrives, he will be welcome, but they have to be better than what we have," he said.
"The conversations I have with [director] Jose Angel Sanchez and the president are between us."
Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw by Milan before they triumphed 10-9 on penalties to win the International Champions Cup and Benitez accepts they found the first half difficult.

 
"We faced a team like Milan who haven't travelled and have been here for six days, and of course they had good rythym and pressed well. It wasn't easy.
"In the second half they slowed down and it was easier to keep the ball."
Gareth Bale was once more deployed in a central role behind Karim Benzema and Benitez admits he offers a different kind of threat away from the wing.
"Bale's done pretty well, he works hard and plays in a role whereby he's involved more or less depending on how the team plays. He's a player who attacks the space and moves between lines."
Luka Modric, meanwhile, was keen to praise the local supporters for their backing during Madrid's successful tour of China.
"We've enjoyed it a lot, we've had six beautiful days in China and we're happy to head back with the title," said the Croatian.
"We thank the Chinese fans for their support and we hope to come back soon."

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