Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has defended attacker Gareth Bale, saying he is "surprised" by the debate around whether the Wales international should be in his starting XI.
Madrid were heavily criticised by many in the local media after their opening-day 0-0 draw at newly promoted Sporting Gijon last weekend, with Benitez's tactics -- and specifically his use of Bale as a roving No. 10 -- a major talking point among fans and pundits.
Some local reports claimed that fellow Galacticos Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez did not understand the new coach's thinking, and the majority of respondents to a fan poll in sports paper AS suggest the former Tottenham player should be dropped.
Bale has been linked with a summer switch to Manchester United after criticism from Madrid fans last season, but the forward recently thanked supporters for their backing, while sources have told ESPN FC that Bale is not for sale at any price.
But the Blancos boss told his news conference ahead of Saturday evening's La Liga game against Real Betis at the Bernabeu that he could not understand the criticism of Madrid's record signing.
"I understand there are media outlets that need to have some news," Benitez said. "But it seems now that a fast player, with a good shot and with a good head for the game, is a problem.
"It is something [sensational] to have Cristiano, [Karim] Benzema, Isco, James, Bale... That these debates happen after every game surprises me. I still think [Bale] is a great player, just like James and Isco.
"They all have their characteristics. There will be other opinions, but I must manage the group so it wins. I will look to pick the right players to win each competition."
The former Valencia, Liverpool, Chelsea and Napoli coach pointed to his team having had 27 shots in total at El Molinon as evidence those who said he was a defensive coach were mistaken.
"We draw 0-0 and people talk about us being a defensive team," Benitez said. "Who had the most shots last weekend? Real Madrid. If shooting more times than the opponent is defensive, then I am lost. A draw is not defensive. It is a game where we lacked accuracy."
Benitez said that James, who was reportedly upset at having been a substitute against Sporting, was being eased back into action as generally happens when a player has featured at a major summer international tournament.
"You all know that after a World Cup or Copa America the players have some holidays, as it is good for them, and it is the rules," he said. "James joined up later, and has had less preparation.
"There is nothing else. From there, there is a technical decision to make. There are people who want to have arguments. I trust a lot in James."
Centre-forward Karim Benzema has been sidelined for three weeks with a troublesome muscle issue, and Benitez suggested he would also not go straight into the starting XI.
"After three weeks working on his own, [Benzema] does not have the same rhythm as his teammates," he said. "He is ready to play some minutes, I do not yet know how many. Karim is a great player, an attacker who does almost everything well.
"His problem is continuity -- we want to help him get that, so he can reach 25 goals this season, while also giving assists. We also need him to lend a hand defensively."
Benitez dodged the issue when asked for his views on Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal's treatment of Madrid transfer target David De Gea.
"I have never spoken about De Gea because I respect him, and neither am I going to talk about Van Gaal's methods," he said. "I do not know how things are day-to-day at the club, so I cannot give an opinion."
Rafa was happier when speaking about Saturday's meeting with Betis coach Pepe Mel, a close friend who he first met when both men were teenagers in Madrid's youth ranks.
"Mel knows this place and he knows Spanish football," he said. "He knows how important it is to go play well if you go to the Bernabeu.
"They are returning to the Primera with a great fanbase, to give a good impression of themselves, and it will not be easy. They will run a lot and look to take their chance."