Rafa Benitez: Gareth Bale is not a problem…it’s great to have him!

Los Blancos face Real Betis in their second La Liga match of the season on Saturday, but most of the pre-match build-up has centred around the Welshman's perceived inability to play in the hole behind Cristiano Ronaldo after a stalemate at Sporting Gijon last weekend.

“I understand there are now many media outlets and that the news must be sensationalised," Benitez said, when asked about the Welshman.

“In the case of Bale, it appears that a player who is quick, heads well and has a great shot is a problem. For me, it's great to have so many playmakers."

He added: “I have to take advantage of an attacking squad of the highest quality. We have many quality players and they all must be respected and managed in the best way possible for success.

“After twenty years of coaching, I analyse every game and ensure a player doesn't stay fixed in one position for an entire season.

“I'm giving freedom to my players at the moment, but either way, I'll be criticised if I do or don't give them freedom."

Benitez also denied suggestions that Bale, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo - the so-called 'BBC' - were undroppable.

“I'll play the team I feel are best-equipped to win the game," he said. “If I have to play Bale, Cristiano and Benzema, I will. It's the same as if I have to play Denis [Cheryshev] or Lucas Vazquez. I'm not here to win our first game but to win the league.”

Benitez also indicated that James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema are still returning to full fitness, and may not start the weekend's game against Betis.

Meanwhile, Bale himself has thanked fans for their support of him.

"The fans are good with me, and it is a dream for me to play for Real Madrid," Bale said, in his first public words in Spanish.