Two systems. After the four training sessions Rafa Benítez has organised in Melbourne so far, the first conclusion is that he will apply two systems: 4-2-3-1 (which he used at Napoli) and 4-4-2. Yesterday, he implemented both in a practice match with each team using a different formation. The task of the coach is to experiment during the pre-season and find the best one. “Every squad needs a model of play,” said Benítez. He will have to find out how to include the ‘BBC’, which was “non-negotiable” last season, in his plans. On Tuesday, Gareth Bale played without Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema on his team and started out on the left. Yesterday, the Welshman played alongside the Portuguese star in a 4-4-2 with Cristiano on the left and Bale in attack with Jesé. Benzema was the central striker of the other team, which played 4-2-3-1. The practice match ended 1-1 with Benzema heading his team ahead before Cristiano equalised from the penalty spot.
A team that is a unit. Yesterday, Benítez shadowed Carvajal, Danilo, Marcelo and Arbeloa. He corrected them during the session and met up with them afterwards. In the afternoon training session he even asked for Carvajal out of the dressing room (Modric was the one to go and get him) so he could chat with him and Danilo. The coach asked them to double up on the wing and give some depth to the attack. So far, that is nothing new for Madrid. But the coach insisted yesterday that they push up when they see an opportunity to. Benítez believes that one of the weaknesses of the team from last season was that the attackers did not help out at the back. Benítez thinks it is better, and easier, for the full-backs to advance further forward and that the team pressures high up the pitch than the attacking players to track back to help out with defensive work.
Ball distribution. The centre-backs and Illarramendi were given extra work in the second training session on Wednesday. They worked with Fabio Pecchia in passing the ball out from the back. For Benítez it is key not to lose the ball in the first passage of play. Pepe, Nacho, Varane and Ramos played more or less open with each other or with Illarra. The coach spent more than five minutes looking at this approach and the moves that should be made.
Kroos-Modric. Benítez is accused of being a defensive coach but Madrid look set to partner Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield. The tactic was showcased in training on Wednesday, both in a 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2. The rivals for the midfield pair were Illarra and Lucas Silva, the Brazilian who is set to go out on loan for next season (with Porto and Sevilla showing interest) and leave his position to Casemiro, who will join up with the squad at the end of this week or the start of next.
Pressure and touch. Along with intensity, these are the two buzzwords of the coaching staff in Australia. On Wednesday, Benítez shouted this continuously at the players. It is key in his thoughts for his Real Madrid. To improve this, the players have been involved in ball movement exercises in confined spaces and attack-defence matches with one team being outnumbered.
Mobile strikers. Benítez wants his attackers to be ‘active’. Cristiano played on the left wing but it was a common feature to see him move further into the centre with Jesé or Bale covering his position. Lucas Vázquez did the same on the right wing. Benítez does not want his players to be rooted to their positions. Players can change their position to surprise the opposition.
Physical work. Benítez is getting to work with the physical demands for his team. Players have gone to the gym on two occasions (before or after training). Yesterday, after the small match, there was no shower: Benítez ordered the players to run in groups with the times marked. This is being applauded by the club, who believe the squad’s physical aspect last season cost them (Florentino leaked that some of the blame for the slump was on Giovani Mauri, Carlo Ancelotti’s physical trainer).