Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez says his side should not "waste time" paying attention to critics of their form this season.

Madrid sit top of La Liga after going unbeaten in their first nine matches, but Benitez has come under pressure for a perceived defensive tactical approach.

However, the former Napoli and Liverpool boss insisted his players should only pay attention to their position in the standings and not mutterings from the media or supporters.

"If I were not Spanish or from Madrid, coming from another country, I would say 'What's going on here?'" he said.

"But Madrid are a great club who are used to being high up the table. The anti-Madridistas will look at things differently.

"We have to enjoy our status as undefeated leaders and not waste time with what other people say."