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Real Madrid’s Julen Lopetegui insists La Liga is not a two horse title race this season after his side played out a goalless draw against fierce rivals Atletico Madrid.
Julen Lopetegui has said there is no crisis at Real Madrid ahead of Saturday’s trip to Alaves.
Lopetegui has lost three of his first 10 games, including a 1-0 Champions League defeat at CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, in the worst start by any Madrid coach this century.
But asked at a news conference on Friday whether the club were in crisis, he said: “We are not analysing what people might think or not.
“This is Real Madrid, and I accept it all totally naturally. The coach is responsible for everything, all the negative things but none of the positive.
“But that is part of this profession. You can see the glass half empty or half full. We know how all this works, so we are relaxed.
“We are still going for all the trophies, we are joint leaders in La Liga, and I have no doubt we will achieve the objective of qualifying in the Champions League.”
Lopetegui said he knew the demands of being Madrid coach, adding that he felt no extra pressure on the Alaves match.
“I take on each game as if it were a final,” he said. “Each Real Madrid game is important and decisive. I take all games in the same way.
“We can improve, of course, and for sure we will. It is logical at a team like Real Madrid that there is criticism and differences of opinion. We are a good team, no doubt about that, and will challenge for all the trophies this season.”
Gareth Bale trained for a second successive day, with the muscle issue that led to his substitution at half-time against Atletico Madrid last weekend now seemingly behind him.
“Bale is an important player for our team,” Lopetegui said. “He is fine, has trained well. He is ready to play now.”
However, right-back Dani Carvajal will be out for at least a month with a calf problem, joining left-back Marcelo on the injury list, while centre-back Raphael Varane did not train with the squad and could be rested.
Back-ups Alvaro Odriozola, Jesus Vallejo and Sergio Reguilon are in contention to start.
“These things can happen, and our two first-choice full-backs are out,” Lopetegui said. “We will look for solutions, and we have full confidence in whoever will come in.”
Alaves have not beaten Madrid at Mendizorroza since 1931, but are unbeaten at home in La Liga this season and would go level on points if they win.
“The opponent must always be respected,” Lopetegui said. “They are having a marvellous season, with great players and great coach and have their very ideas very clear. But our focus must always be on what we can do ourselves.”
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