According to reports from Marca, Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev has admitted to a communication breakdown with manager Rafa Benitez.
The Russian international’s impressive form on loan at Villarreal last season, claiming four goals and nine assists in 24 La Liga appearances, saw him repeatedly linked with Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool throughout the summer transfer window.
The Reds are believed to have even tabled a £15million bid, but the 24-year-old rejected the chance to move to the English top flight after holding crunch talks over his future with the Real Madrid hierarchy in August.
However, the 5 foot 11 attacker has found himself a peripheral figure in Rafa Benitez’ first team plans since the summer talks, seeing just 56 minutes’ worth of action in La Liga and the Champions League combined.
Although he insists he is still content with life at the Bernabeu, Cheryshev has admitted there isn’t much communication between himself and the Los Blancos boss.
“Everything you do is for the best. That’s what happened and I have nothing to regret,” he told Marca, regarding his decision to stay on in Madrid. “There are no conflicts, but it’s true that there isn’t much communication with Benítez.”
“I’m in good spirits. Of course, you want to play more, but it’s not an easy situation. You need to stay strong and keep your chin up,” Cheryshev added.
It remains to be seen whether the winger’s recent comments will lead Arsenal and Liverpool to revive their interest from the summer, but they certainly suggest Cheryshev has become surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu.