Rafa Benitez has denied claims he's "too serious" as a coach and likes to micromanage small details such as the nutrition habits of his players.

"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."