adminMELBOURNE. — Real Madrid kick off a new era under manager Rafael Benitez when the Spanish soccer giants take on Italy’s AS Roma in the International Champions Cup at the Melbourne Criket Ground today. Benitez, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu in June, said his focus is on strengthening the side’s defence ahead of the La Liga season.
Benitez’s side have so far made just one major summer signing – Brazilian right-back Danilo who arrived from FC Porto – but have been strongly linked with Manchester United’s Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea as a replacement for Iker Casillas who has left for Porto.
He also will be trying to retain Spanish international centre-back Sergio Ramos.
Benitez would not be drawn yesterday on whether de Gea would be his new man in goal but suggested an incoming goalkeeper was imminent.
“(Keylor) Navas is our No. 1 at the moment . . . he’s more experienced so he’s at the front right now,” Benitez told reporters. — AFP.
Online Reporter