Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has asked new coach Rafael Benitez to lose weight ahead of the new season, according to Spanish reports. According to AS, Perez was reluctant to appoint Benitez as Real's new boss "because of his public image". The 55-year-old Spanish coach took over at Real following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, who led the team to an elusive UEFA Champions League title in 2014 but failed to win any major titles last term. Benitez was often taunted by the fans because of his weight while at English side Chelsea. He was linked with a move to Sampdoria before taking over at Real but the Italian club's president Massimo Ferrero said he would need to "see a dietician" before being appointed. (For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/133338.aspx