Rafa Benitez's final interview as Real Madrid manager: What the Spaniard said before being sacked

The Spaniard was sacked following the 2-2 draw with Valencia meant they fell four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid

Rafa Benitez during Real Madrid's 2-2 draw with Valencia (Getty)

Rafael Benítez used his final interview as the manager of Real Madrid to praise his players after the 2-2 draw with Valencia.

The Spaniard was dismissed on Monday evening just six months into a three-year contract at the Santiago Bernabéu after president Florentino Pérez called an extraordinary meeting.

“It would be wrong to just look at the result as the effort that the players showed deserves plenty of praise,” the former Liverpool boss said.

“We have (won) on many occasions, but this game was against a strong side and with ten players we have battled to the end.

“I cannot prevent people from speculating (about my position) but what I can achieve is that the team works like it has today. It was a massive effort and unfortunately we didn't get the three points.”

Alcácer García’s late equaliser for Gary Neville’s side cancelled out earlier efforts by Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale at the Mestalla.

Daniel Parejo scored the home side’s other goal on the stroke of half-time before Mateo Kovacic was sent off for the visitors after 68 minutes.

Zinedine Zidane is the favourite to succeed Benítez in the Spanish capital in front of Jose Mourinho and Alejandro Sabella.