Real Madrid new manager Rafa Benitez has been told to lose weight to protect the image of the club.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea coach has been trailed by ‘fat’ jibes for much of his coaching career.
Rival fans of the teams he has managed have used his weight to taunt him in the past and reports in Spain suggests that Real Madrid directors does not want that to happen in the club.
During his spell as interim manager at Chelsea, Benitez’s name was frequently mentioned alongside fat in chants from rival fans.
Earlier this year Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero said the Spanish boss would need to ‘see a dietitian’ before he would appoint him as their coach.
AS reported that the weight problem of the 55-year-old was nearly a stumbling block in his signing as Real Madrid manager.
‘Real president Florentino Perez had reservations about appointing Benitez because of his public image despite having no doubts over his managerial ability’ AS said.
Benitez according to the report has started double training sessions to lose weights ahead of the next season.
