Benitez: Bale criticism confuses me

The Real Madrid coach has been left perplexed by the scrutiny the winger and his team have come under already this season after their goalless draw with Sporting Gijon Rafael Benitezhas leapt to the defence of Gareth Bale, insisting he does not understand the criticism the Real Madridattacker receives. Despite a bright opening season at the Santiago Bernabeu in which he scored crucial goals in the Champions League and Copa del Rey final triumphs, the former Tottenham winger came under criticism last term due to some underwhelming displays in a torrid campaign for Madrid. The scrutiny over the world record signing has left Benitez perplexed, insisting that the Welshman remains a "great" player who adds a lot to his squad. "He is a fast player, with a good shot and he's good in the air," he said. "I don't understand the criticism. "Gareth is a great player, we have many good players and we have to fix them in a good starting XI. To have many players of this kind is not a problem, it's a blessing." Madrid opened their league campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against Sporting Gijon, prompting immediate criticism of the team and Benitez, but the coach insists it is wrong to insist his side are too defensive. "These permanent debates after every match make no sense. Real Madrid was the team with more goal shots on the opening weekend of the season, so we are not defensive."