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Florentino Perez listens to a question during a news conference at the Santiago Bernabeu. AP/Press Association Images
Staying Put

Benitez given the dreaded vote of confidence after Real Madrid call press conference

Safe….for now.

Updated at 21.15

RAFAEL BENITEZ WILL remain in charge of Real Madrid for the time being, after receiving the backing of president Florentino Perez.

The Spanish coach has come under increased pressure in recent weeks following poor performances, with reports circulating that the players are unhappy with the current playing style.

Saturday’s 4-0 trouncing at home to fierce rivals Barcelona saw tension reach new heights, as the players were booed off the pitch by their own fans and speculation continued to mount on the coach, with many suggesting he could be sacked.

Captain Sergio Ramos immediately voiced his support of Benitez after the loss to Barca, and now Perez insisted at a press conference on Monday that the former Liverpool boss will hold onto his post. “We have had a board meeting and analysed the sporting situation at Real Madrid,” he told reporters. “Rafa has all our support and all our confidence.

“Rafa Benitez has all the ability and has only just started his job here. Let him keep working and he will achieve his objectives.

“The players did not lack attitude. The team played badly but we cannot question their attitude in such an important game.”

Earlier, Zinedine Zidane had dismissed talk of him replacing Benitez.

Zidane – coach of Real’s reserve team – denied he was in line to replace the Spaniard at the helm after his side drew 0-0 against Barakaldo.

“I am the coach of the Castilla [reserves]. Benitez is the first-team coach and things are fine as well,” he said.

“I’m happy with what we’ve done today with the Castilla against a difficult rival.

I stayed to train the Castilla. Last year I went away with the feeling that something was missing for me. I am stubborn and when the objective is not fulfilled it is necessary to do it.”

The French World Cup winner, who spent five seasons with the La Liga giants, admits he is still in the infant stages of his managerial career and is not looking too far ahead.

“I have a lot to learn but a trainer is never [fully] prepared,” Zidane added.

“I am doing this, like a player, little by little. I do no rush anything. The present is Castilla and we are going to continue like that.”

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