Benitez has often been taunted with 'fat' jibes from opposition fans and president Florentino Perez had reservations about appointing him
Real Madrid reportedly want boss Rafa Benitez to lose weight ahead of the season.
The ex-Liverpool chief was named as Carlo Ancelotti's successor earlier this month, agreeing a three-year deal at the Bernabeu.
However according to AS, Real president Florentino Perez has reservations about appointing the Spaniard - because of his public image.
Benitez has often been taunted with 'fat' jibes from opposition fans, during spells in both England and Italy.
After controversially being appointed at Chelsea, he was even mocked by Blues supporters for his weight as they called for his departure.
Benitez was also linked with the Sampdoria post earlier this year, although president Massimo Ferrero said he would need to "see a dietician" before being appointed.
Reports suggest he is planning double training sessions to get his players ready for the new campaign, following a trophyless season under Ancelotti.
Plans to improve Gareth Bale's effectiveness are already underway too, with the Welshman set to return to his favoured left-wing role after a dismal season on the right.
And Jamie Carragher, who played under Benitez at Anfield, is confident his ex-boss will be a success in the Spanish capital.
"At every club he has been at he has won titles," Carragher said. "At Napoli he won the Super Cup and Italian Cup, at Liverpool the Champions League… I think he won a couple of trophies at Inter.
"He always wins titles but at Madrid the pressure is huge and he arrives just after Barça has won the treble.
"Now Madrid need to respond with trophies and Benítez is a coach who always wins something."
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