The Rafa Benítez era at Real Madrid gets fully underway today and the coach kickstarts his tenure with few surprises as far as the team is concerned. They have been more changes to the backroom staff than the playing staff; just one new arrival, Danilo, is present in Australia and three players who have been recovered after loan stints: Lucas Vázquez, Casemiro and Cheryshev while a fourth new recruit, Kiko Casilla, is on his way to join up with the squad.
Despite that, the coach could not be more upbeat about his new role coaching the team of his dreams and he has all the right credentials. He learned his trade in ‘La Fábrica’ and despite the lack of new signings, Benítez is convinced that the players he has at his disposal can give the team the competitive edge it needs in the new campaign. Today’s opponents Roma will give Madrid exactly the kind of test they need. The 4-3-3 formation is a thing of the past; Rafa will be faithful to his trusty 4-2-3-1 set-up with Bale playing a deeper, more central role – just where he wants to be, so if his team mates pass him the ball, there are no excuses, only belief.
Another player who will be in the spotlight is Keylor Navas. The keeper began the pre-season with little or no competition for a regular slot but with Kiko Casilla about to join up with the squad, he will be forced to earn his place. Later today, the Costa Rican will be up against Roma’s living legend, Totti.
Expectation rising. On Friday 10,000 fans turned up to watch the team train. Today, around 80,000 will be settling into their seats to watch Madrid’s opening match of the summer and the team’s first steps of the Benítez era.