Real Madrid Is Vulnerable Right Now – Julen Lopetegui

Julen Lopetegui has said he knows he is vulnerable after Real Madrid were beaten 1-0 at Alaves on Saturday, while captain Sergio Ramos said it would be “crazy” to sack the manager despite Real’s run without a win — or even a goal — now at four matches.

The last time Madrid went four games without scoring was in April 1985, when coach Amancio Ortega was immediately fired, but Lopetegui said it was much too early in the season for any such drastic action.

“Coaches are always exposed, but we are not thinking about [the sack],” Lopetegui said in a news conference.

“The dynamic is negative. Things are not going as we wanted. We are disappointed, of course. We wanted to win. We know how the life of a coach is, and even more at Real Madrid.

“The coach is always responsible, ahead of the players, no doubt about that. But we are still in October and at worst three points off the top. We now have time to get some very important players back.”

Lopetegui’s team captain Sergio Ramos had the back of his manager after the game, saying it would be “crazy” to consider letting the first-year coach go so early in the campaign.

“There are other people to make those decisions, its not part of the player’s role,” he said. “For a squad, it is never good to change coach. It is not in our hands. It would be crazy, the team is fighting for the top spots. We must keep our feet on the ground, be more calm, and try and turns things around.

“Everyone will have their own opinion. There are times when a change has been better, and others not, you never know. It is very soon to talk about changing coach. It is not up to the players, others have to take that decision.”