Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez was left unimpressed by the quality of the MCG pitch after his side’s first training session on the famous hallowed turf.
The 55-year-old addressed the media for the first time this morning ahead of his side’s friendly against AS Roma tomorrow night, the first of three International Champions Cup matches.
He said the club had been very welcoming to him since his appointment and praised Melbourne for their “spectacular” reception.
However, Benitez perhaps left his most scathing remark for the MCG groundsmen for the poor quality of the pitch.
“Today I have to say the pitch was not the best. It is an important game important players so it could be a little bit better,” he said.
“Overall, the facilities [in Melbourne] have been fantastic. We have been really pleased.
“Pre-season for us is to try new formations, to try players in different positions, and for players to take on new ideas we are trying to develop.
“The fans were amazing today. I was reading a bit about this stadium and about the sporting culture here in this city.”
The MCG was last used for AFL last Saturday for the Essendon vs Melbourne match, and there is another AFL match scheduled on Sunday afternoon following the Real Madrid vs Roma match on Saturday night.
A new strip of turf had been laid right through the middle of the ground, with Real Madrid training on the ground for the first time.
At least 10,000 fans here! Plenty of kids taking the day off school. #ICCAustralia2015 pic.twitter.com/xzE9smce2Y
— Outside90 (@Outside90) July 17, 2015
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