Rafa Benitez denies rift between Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has a difficult job managing some of the biggest names in the beautiful game.

The former Liverpool and Napoli gaffer has been dealing with questions regarding the emotional well-being of his players, with reports of ill will between star figures Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale surfacing this week.

However, Benitez says it's all nonsense.

"There’s no problem between Cristiano and Bale," Benitez told reporters. "At Real Madrid, everything tends to get magnified, sometimes because of jealousy or to attack the club, and that surprises me. I always send the players text messages when they are with their national sides; there is no problem at all between them."

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The tactician fielded questions from Spanish radio program "Al Primer Toque" ahead of his side's La Liga encounter against Levante on Saturday and, while Madrid currently sits second in the standings, much of the conversation was focused on rumours of infighting between himself, his players, and the team.

"I’m surprised by the stories people invent," Benitez said. "The mood in the camp is very good. I’ve been surprised by the competitiveness between the players, even to win practice matches in training. The relationship between the players is very good and the atmosphere is relaxed and healthy.

"I (haven't) got any problems at all within anyone in the squad. Yesterday I spent a while chatting with Cristiano. Whenever they are about, I always stop to ask how they are. I’ve always done that. I greet each one of them individually.

"I’ve had dressing rooms which are far more complicated to handle than this one. I’ve even been accused of fighting with players. Every dressing room will have players who are more or less happy, players who have off days, good days, days which are better or worse but nothing out of the ordinary."

Benitez also responded to a reported back-and-forth between himself and the team's captain, Sergio Ramos. The player recently addressed potential tensions between the players and the manager, telling reporters: "Don't worry yourselves, everything is very relaxed."

Benitez says there's nothing of concern in this regard, too.

"The person who fought most to ensure that Ramos stayed was me," Benitez explained. "There are zero problems between us; he’s the captain and a brilliant player who always has to show his capabilities."