Rafael Benitez refutes claims of exerting too much control behind the scenes at Real Madrid

Rafael Benitez came out strongly to deny negative reports in the media about his reign at Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has hit back against critics who say he is too controlling, as per the reports on ESPN. Benitez has denied claims that he is ‘too serious’ a coach and controls things as ‘olive oil on the salads’ and has not banned club captain Sergio Ramos from drinking beer.

Despite making a stunning start to his managerial career at Santiago Bernabeu, Benitez is still unhappy with the ‘negative reports’ regarding his conduct behind the scenes at the Spanish capital. Los Blancos under the 55-year-old are enjoying their lead at the top of La Liga table after nine games, with 21 points, 21 goals scored and just three conceded.

In his previous spells with Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Napoli, the Spanish coach has earned a reputation as someone who keeps a tab on the little details at the club and a man of his own principles.

Reports in Spain had suggested two of Madrid’s key players Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo were left unimpressed by the way how they are being monitored by the coach. The Spanish press had claimed earlier this season, that Benitez banned the Galacticos’ skipper from drinking beer.

However, the former Liverpool manager has rubbished the claims and has stated that the public perception of him was untrue and he was still a regular guy who had changed little over the years.

“There are people who think that I am too serious.” Benitez said.

“I read nonsense that people believe, like I control the olive oil on the salads, or that I have banned [Sergio] Ramos from drinking beer. I have been away eight years, I see my barrio [neighbourhood] and the people and I greet them normally.”

“It has changed little. Just by being Madrid coach makes you closer to people you do not have time to deal with. Around my friends I act exactly the way I always have.”

Benitez and his men will host Las Palmas at the Bernabeu on Saturday with several of the key players missing from the squad. French striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out due to injury he picked up in the recent International break.

They will be looking to open up a lead at the top of the domestic league table with a win before facing Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. They are currently sitting in second of Group A in the Champions League, with seven points from three outings.