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Patience seems to be the word of the day in the wake of Real's 3-2 great Valencian escape. Alvaro Morata prescribed supporter patience after Saturday's cliffhanger, saying:
"We need a touch of patience. I’m sure we will gradually start playing better. I am very happy – it was a match that we did not start well, but we’ve got through it and we were able to achieve victory. At Madrid, from a young age they teach you to fight to the end."
The young striker's goal was obviously a critical catalyst within the match's fantastic finish and the shot of adrenaline he brings to the team cannot be underestimated, particularly when the side's overall performances of late have seemed a bit labored. Morata also spoke of his burgeoning role within Real Madrid, telling reporters:
"I have one of the best forwards in the world in front of me. There is nothing else to do but keep battling to take advantage of the time I get on the pitch. I am training well and continuing to learn. When I get a chance to start I will be ready to take it"
It is certainly a credit to Morata that he is able to say such selfless things in public, as the tension surrounding Karim Benzema mounts. Morata seems to be deliberately placing team unity and cohesion ahead of personal ambition and perhaps that can be perceived as a sign of growth in the dressing room when viewed alongside of the negativity that ultimately defined last season's squad.
Speaking of Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that he will stick with the star-crossed Frenchman even as the growing discontent with his poor form gets louder and louder. 92% of over 28,000 respondents in a recent Marca poll felt that Morata had earned the opportunity to displace Benzema, perhaps permanently.
Raphael Varane was quick to express faith in his fellow countryman, revealing that:
"We talk a lot. He is a hard worker. I think he is well physically. Mentally, he is focused on his goals so I’m not worried about him."
A focused and productive Benzema will be crucial to navigating the slate of important fixtures on the horizon. Hopefully international duty will provide opportunities for him to start rebuilding his confidence.