Benitez refuses to blame Kroos for Madrid collapse

Rafael Benitez has refused to blame Toni Kroos for Real Madrid's sudden collapse in Wednesday's 4-3 Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Kroos came off the bench with his side 3-0 up in Ukraine and, though Cristiano Ronaldo soon made it four, the hosts hit back with three goals in six minutes as Madrid edged to a nervy win.

Much of the post-match criticism was aimed at Kroos' display, but Benitez moved to defend the Germany midfielder.

"I don't share the opinion that he caused a decline in the team's performance level," said Benitez.

"Kroos came on during the match, controlled the ball well, let the game flow and was accurate with his passing.
It wasn't the team's performance level that dropped, but rather a mistake that led to a penalty. Kroos didn't cause our performance level to drop off, instead he contributed towards keeping it high and he did so superbly."

Mateo Kovacic featured for the full 90 minutes again versus Shakhtar after being benched for a number of games and Benitez explained that the former Inter man needed some rest after an intense start to the season.

"The nice problem we're facing is having so many top quality options to choose from," he added. "Mateo showed us what he can do at the start of the season. After that he suffered with some muscle fatigue and needed to be rested.

Comments

Village Head Master actor, Joseph Adu aka JAB dies at 83

Legendary Nigerian actor, Joseph Abiodun Adu popularly known as JAB Adu has died. Family sources say he died after a brief illness on Sunday morning February 28th. He was aged 83. JAB is well known for his role as Bassey Okon in the now rested Village Headmaster. He is survived by his wife and children. May his soul rest in peace Amen.

Photo: It's easier to operate in Ghana than Nigeria-Robbery suspect confesses

Read Statement from the Rapid Response Squad A robbery suspect and ex–convict, Wasami Dennis, 32, was arrested by operatives of the RRS in his hideout in Agbole Orile in Lagos. He confessed that it was easier for him to operate in Ghana than Nigeria because Ghanaian are not security conscious like Nigerians. This trans-border robbery suspect hails from Abraka town, Delta State. He was released almost a year ago from Kirikiri prison after he was convicted for a break-in-and-run robbery incidence in Festac, Lagos, Nigeria.

Okupe confirms Jonathan paid Metuh N400m..said amount came from ex-president’s N21bn campaign funds

The former Senor Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Doyin Okupe, told Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja on Wednesday that Jonathan confirmed to him that he gave the sum of N400 million to Chief Olisa Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP.

Skyglas Infomat

Search This Blog