Benitez refuses to reveal what has been troubling Cristiano Ronaldo

Rafael Benitez has refused to reveal what has been troubling Cristiano Ronaldo this season, after the Portuguese admitted on Tuesday night that personal problems have been behind his up-and-down form for Real Madrid .

“I’ve been below my level," he admitted after the 8-0 midweek evisceration of Malmo , "but I’ve had things going on."

“I’m happy with the situation now but at the start of the season I have had personal problems."

And ahead of Sunday night's tough trip to Villarreal, Rafael Benitez has opted to keep his counsel as well.

“I’m not going to go into details about his problems because it is him that has talked about it," Benitez said.

"For me he has always put in good performances and now it’s paying off.

“Now that he is scoring I’m calm because that will give him more confidence and help him to score even more."

Despite reports of a schism between Benitez and his star player, Ronaldo recently claimed he was happy working with the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss.

And Rafa also moved to speak positively about their improving understanding.

“We’re getting to know each other, adapting to each other and working together.

“Spending all this time together in training sessions and journeys has to be productive and beneficial for the team.”