'I don't fear for my job, i always assume the worst'

Real's manager, with a lot of things on his plate, looked to take a measured perspective of the situation. ''We have had a few injuries, like those of Marcelo and Dani (Carvajal), which have been for a few weeks, then there's also Isco and the Gareth (Bale's) little knock. These are normal circumstances when a team plays a lot of matches.

He spoke in more detail about Bale, who was withdrawn with a slight groin tweak in the 0-0 draw with Atletico: ''Gareth is an important player for our team. he felt some pain in the derby that could have been more if he'd played. He's ready now.''

Lopetegui also talked of the current situation of the club, somewhat delicate after their latest run. ''This is Real Madrid and we must recognise that criticism is normal. What is important is the feeling we have with the boys. There will be better and worse moments, there are still positive things now.''

''We must correct the things that we need to correct, but we continue with absolute confidence in all competitions. Success is the most important thing in Madrid, so the focus (on us) is correct. We're level on points with the league leaders and in the Champions League I have no doubt we will continue to play how we did against Roma.'' added 'Los blancos' manager.

He also alluded to his future in the Real Madrid hot seat, saying his critics didn't affect him. ''A manager naturally assumes the worst case scenario, the best, never. We are working to make sure the team keeps improving. Do I fear for my job? No, a manager only thinks of preparing the team well for the next game.''

Madrid have ahead of the another challenge to try and improve their current situation and turn around their form. On Saturday they travel to Mendizorroza, a difficult task according to Lopetegui. ''Alaves are having a marvelous season, but our focus is always on what we need to do.We will try all we can to win,'' he said. 

''I expect a high energy game. They have very clear ideas about how to play and they play to their strengths very well. We will need a good performance to beat them.''

He recognised the challenge that Alaves pose: ''I treat every game like a cup final, in Madrid this is what we have to do.''

Lopotegui additionally spoke about the precedent that Real have set themselves of conceding the first goal. ''It is a fact that is certain and we know of, to have to come back in every game is difficult and I don't want it to be this way. It is clearly something we need to improve.''