Asensio: 'I want to feel more important at Madrid'

Marco Asensio says he needs to "feel more important" at Real Madrid, but again expressed a belief that there are others in the squad that need to lead the team.

Spain forward Asensio has this season only shown flashes of the talent that has made him one of European football's brightest prospects, with Los Blancos struggling for top form.

A 5-1 Clasico thrashing at the hands of Barcelona last month spelled the end for Julen Lopetegui's short and forgettable reign as head coach, with new boss Santiago Solari overseeing an upturn in performances since then.

This week, Asensio caused a stir when discussing his role at Madrid when he said: "I don't think it's for me to carry the team. There are players who are much more experienced, have more years playing under their belts and more status than I have and they're the ones who have to lead the team."

Asensio dialled back on those comments during an interview with Spanish broadcaster RTVE on Thursday, calling for more faith to be shown in his abilities, but still suggested he is not one of the team's main leaders.

"I'm still young, there are players that have to lead the team," he said.

"I want to make a bigger contribution to the club, to feel more important and I also need to have that confidence and for the club to give me that responsibility."

November 15, 2018

Asensio also believes too much focus is placed on his performances.

He added: "It seems like the whole world came down on me.

"When you have a good game, you're the best. And when you don't hit one into the top corner, people get on your back a bit.

"This bad month we've had hasn't made me change the way I think, and I know the situation will change."