Nacho has said he does not believe Real Madrid need to sign a centre-back in the winter window, but conceded that they had been hindered by the departure of Pepe.
Pepe won the Champions League three times and captured three La Liga crowns in 10 years at the Bernabeu before leaving this summer.
And Nacho told Cadena Ser radio: “I learned a lot from him. He had a lot of experience and he left. That has been noticeable.
“But I honestly don’t think .”
Muscular problems have limited Raphael Varane to six league starts, while 20-year-old Jesus Vallejo, brought back in July after a successful loan spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, has suffered minor injuries and made just two appearances.
“We’ve had Varane and Vallejo affected,” Nacho said. “Vallejo started against Las Palmas and did a good job. He will soon get the experience he needs.
“We have five players that can play in that position, and competition at Real Madrid is tough.”
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