Rafa Benitez has defended his former Real Madrid staff.

Benítez posted a piece on his website praising his trusted fitness coach, Paco de Miguel, in what could also be interpreted as a staunch defence of the regime they implemented at Real Madrid, which Zinedine Zidane and several players have publicly cast aspersions on.

Benítez highlighted the fact that during their time working together, De Miguel's methods have "always enabled" their teams "to end the season in the best possible physical condition".

Benítez pointed out that the thesis, which explores the "Evolution of parameters of physical condition in a professional team over the course of a season", draws on De Miguel's "knowledge and many years of practical experience as the main figure in charge of physical preparation in high-level teams".