Real Madrid close their pre-season tour of Australia and China later today in the furnace of Shanghai. Both sides will have to contend with a temperature of approximately 40 degrees Celsius with a high humidity level. The 7 degree temperatures of Melbourne feel like a long time ago!
Faced with this intense heat, Benítez will rotate the starting eleven. He may even decide to give Ramos a break from starting. This has nothing to do whatsoever with the players possible contract renewal...From recent training drills, Benítez, Modric and Benzema look set to start, meaning that Kroos and Jesé get to rest. Isco also looks set to give way to Lucas Vázquez. Having said that, nothing is sure with the new coach and Benitez gives nothing away as if it were a crucial Champions League match. In his pre-match press conference he was loathe to talk about who was set to leave (Lucas Silva, Cheryshev…), and refused to speculate on who may arrive (De Gea). “The match is the only important thing”, he repeated.
Benítez only wants to concentrate on football as that’s where he wins. He has organized the defense without losing anything from his attack. He has got the group focused and tuned in with every substitute player getting to play being a positive aspect. A state of optimism surrounds the side and the coach has much to do with this.
Madrid, today face their old European rival: AC Milan (with an old friend in Diego López in goal). The Serie A side who finished tenth in the Italian league last season are trying to re-group following the arrival of Thai magnate, Bee Taechaubol at the Milanase club. The signings of Carlos Bacca and Suso are all part of a new Milan.
A decent opponent for Madrid and Benítez will hope that Madrid can retain that smile which closes their long pre-season tour of Australia and China.