Under-fire Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has claimed there is a ``campaign'' against him and the club.
Reports have suggested Benitez, whose side have lost three of their last six Primera Division games and are currently third in the table, could be on the brink of losing his job amid unrest in the camp.
Speaking on Tuesday at his press conference to preview Wednesday's home league clash with Real Sociedad, Benitez said: ``There is a campaign against Florentino (Perez, the club's president), against myself and against the team.
``Everything is manipulated and it's there for all to see.''
Benitez was booed by some of the club's supporters both before the last match against Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabeu on December 20 and during the contest when the hosts trailed 2-1 - before going on to thrash their nine-man opponents 10-2.
The 55-year-old, appointed as Madrid boss over the summer on a three-year deal, has stressed the need for his team to ``motivate the fans with our style of play''.
But Benitez insists he is not letting the current situation unsettle him - and that he has a ``good relationship'' with the Madrid hierarchy.
``I've stayed calm,'' said Benitez, quoted by AS.com.
``I've spoken to the president and (director general) Jose Angel Sanchez and the relationship is good. I already know that you have to do things well and win.
``I knew I was coming to a club where everything is magnified. I've spent 30 years in the dugout in over 1,400 games. I know how this works and the solution - work has to be the focus.''
Benitez also emphasised his relationship with his players was ``infinitely better'' than has been reported, making further reference to the ``campaign''.
``The relationship with the players is infinitely better than what you read in the papers,'' Benitez said.
``Some are happier than others.
``You all know who you talk to, and the whole campaign is clear. If I don't use a player it becomes an issue.
``I know what we have to do - get distracted as little as possible.
``Each week 13 are left out, which is taken as a personal decision. Because the manipulation and the campaign is ongoing, my responsibility is to make decisions so that the team wins and plays good football.
``To do well in la Liga you need stability and calm, not anxiety.
``The team are in much better shape than people think and that has to show in games.
``Sometimes it shows and sometimes it doesn't, which is why I have to focus on the sporting side and not on what people are saying.''
Madrid host a Real Sociedad side currently 14th and with only one win their last four league games.
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