Two days have passed since Real Madrid’s embarrassing 4-0 home defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico, with reports suggesting that chaos has erupted at Los Blancos.
According to Spanish publication AS, who cite both Fox Sports and La Gazzetta dello Sport, 30-year-old Portuguese superstar, who came under fire for his utterly poor display against the Blaugrana, has underlined coach Rafael Benitez as the sole reason behind the huge loss.
It is no secret that the three-time Ballon d’Or winner, an ardent supporter of Carlo Ancelotti who was left frustrated to see the Italian boss sacked, is no fan of their new Spanish manager and his methods.
In a previous run-in with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez, the former Man United ace was rumored to have expressed his disapproval of Benitez, saying "with this coach we will win nothing.”
Ronaldo’s stance on the former Napoli boss has further escalated after Saturday’s defeat, with Les Merengues’ all-time top scorer handing Perez and ultimatum: “It’s Benitez or me”.
Of course, this rocky relationship between star player and manager is reminiscent of Lionel Messi and Luis Enrique of last season, with their relationship believed to have been non-existent.
However, the Asturian boss, who endured a bumpy beginning to life at Camp Nou, turned the Catalan giants’ fortunes around, guiding them to the treble. Talk of a dispute with La Pulga has not been heard ever since.
Cristiano and Benitez's rocky relationship is reminiscent to that of Luis Enrique and Messi from last season
A possible outcome at Santiago Bernabeu, though, could be worse than imagined, with the fans in danger of witnessing both Ronaldo and Benitez leave the Madrid giants.
Cristiano, who stirred rumors of a Real Madrid exit in several interviews leading to the premiere of his movie, will reportedly be sold by the club come this summer, as the 10-time Champions League winners look to up their pursuit of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.
Benitez, who was tipped to be sacked should he lose in El Clasico, could be fired by this week, as written by MARCA.
Furthermore, British news outlet The Sun claim that the Red Devils are ready to reignite their interest in Welsh ace Gareth Bale after seeing the outcome of Saturday’s Clasico.
What a crisis Real Madrid have on their hands.
