Manchester United star Juan Mata does not believe that Rafael Benitez is a defensive-minded manager.

Benitez has come under a lot of fire recently after he decided to employ a defensive tactic during Real's 1-1 draw against local rivals Atletico Madrid over the weekend.

The decision of the Spaniard to sit back when Real were leading ultimately backfired as Atletico grabbed a late equalizer.

As a result, the Madrid boss has had to face a lot of criticism but his old Chelsea pupil Mata has gone on to defend his former manager.

"I don't consider him to be a defensive coach — he's methodical, strategic and prepares for matches very well," Mata told Cadena Ser.

"When a Benitez team has to attack, they throw everything into it. He is a manager that lives for football.

"I had a very good relationship with him. When he was Chelsea manager I had my best year and he gave me a lot of confidence."