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Real Madrid news: Julen Lopetegui breaks silence amid rumours he’ll be sacked in hours
REAL MADRID manager Julen Lopetegui says he is not concerned about reports that suggest he will be sacked.
Real Madrid: 'Worrying time' for Lopetegui says Burley
Lopetegui is under intense pressure after Real’s dreadful start to the season.
The Spanish giants are currently languishing in seventh in La Liga - four points off leaders and bitter rivals Barcelona.
Reports emerging over the weekend suggested he would be 'sacked in hours', with Real Madrid B head coach Santiago Solari lined up to replace him.
However, it is claimed that senior players want him to stay and are not convinced by Solari’s credentials for the top job.
And speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday, Lopetegui insists he is keeping calm.
"The changing room is strong because the players are champions and they're not champions by coincidence,” he said.
“They overcome tricky situations with that strength and that quality they have.
"The team is alive, very excited to put in a big performance tomorrow and are convinced that they can turn around the situation.
“There are positive examples from more adverse situations.
"I am looking at the situation the same as ever, I am carrying out my day to day as usual and that is what is under our control.
"If you want to see a defeated coach then don't look here.
"In my view, we have a game tomorrow that we are looking forward to and we will go about it with total commitment and drive.
“I am not thinking about anything else other than tomorrow's game.
"I am here right now, I cannot confirm anything else right now. I will be the coach tomorrow."