Cristiano Ronaldo labels Rafael Benitez's training methods as 's***' after Real Madrid coach makes squad play the crossbar challenge

Ronaldo was spotted on Spanish TV criticising the new Real manager's drills and accused him of unfairly penalising the Portuguese players

Cristiano Ronaldo is believed to have labelled Rafael Benitez's training methods 's***' (Getty Images)

The new season is barely underway and Cristiano Ronaldo is already unhappy. The Real Madrid superstar appeared to be angered by new manager Rafael Benitez's training methods.

Ronaldo appeared to criticise Bentiez’s methods during a training session in Australia ahead of Real’s pre-season friendly against Manchester City on Friday after the Spaniard ordered his team to try and hit the crossbar.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that after Bentiez asked the players to engage in the long-distance drill, Ronaldo was heard to say that the idea is to get the ball in the net, “not this s***”.

Ronaldo was also seen on Spanish television throwing a strop when he had a goal during a training game ruled out, and was recorded accusing Benitez – who by this time was refereeing – of only penalising Portuguse players among the Real squad.

He is believed to have said: “Only the fouls by the Portuguese are seen.”

Benitez, with whistle in hand, appeared unruffled by the accusations, which are not known whether to have been serious or not given that the match was supposed to be a light-hearted training game.

Ronaldo did partake in the cross-bar challenge after his moan (Reuters)

The former Chelsea and Liverpool manager spoke after the session to clarify the relationship between him and Ronaldo, and while he claimed that the former most expensive player in football was no different to any other player, he marked out his commitment and competitiveness as what stood him out from the pack.

“My relationship with him is as it is with the other players. I speak a lot with all of them. It’s absolutely normal,” said Benitez in a press conference.

"There are those who are speculating on this or that but I can assure you that the relationship is totally normal.

Benitez stares at Ronaldo after he walks away in frustration (Reuters)

“Fortunately after working with him you can see how competitive he is and how keen he is to win. He is a competitive guy and that’s the key. This is a positive thing not a defect.

"He has great quality and that’s what makes him the best player in the world.

"I wish all the players had the same enthusiasm to compete and win. He shows this on a day by day basis and I’m delighted with him.”

However, the issues appear to arise from Ronaldo’s close relationship with former manager Carlo Ancelotti. Ronaldo publicly expressed that he wanted to see the Italian remain with Real just days before he was unceremoniously sacked by the club, and with reports that Ronaldo is unsettled in Madrid never far away, speculation over his future may soon arise once again should tensions between him and Benitez begin to increase.