The former Spain boss saw his Blancos side hit a new low in a 5-1 mauling at the hands of Barcelona, but he believes he is the right man for the club
Julen Lopetegui saw his Real Madrid reign plumb new depths during a 5-1 Clasico defeat to Barcelona, but he retains full faith in his ability to turn things around.
The beleaguered Blancos boss was already facing plenty of uncomfortable questions regarding his future before heading to Camp Nou on Sunday.
Calls for him to be removed from his post have mounted in intensity following a humbling reversal against old adversaries.
Real now find themselves sat ninth in the Liga table having suffered three successive setbacks in the Spanish top flight.
That record has Lopetegui on the brink, but he hopes he will be given the opportunity to guide Madrid out of a sorry slump.
He told reporters after a forgettable display in Catalunya: “I feel sad at the moment, but with full strength to remain in charge of this group.
“This is a tough blow, but I am strong enough to know everything can be turned around. There is a long way to go, and I have a lot of faith in this group of players.”
Lopetegui accepts that he will ultimately shoulder the responsibility for results in Madrid and that his record since succeeding Zinedine Zidane is not the best.
He is, however, convinced that the 2018-19 campaign can still be salvaged.
“We all know how the world of football works, and the final responsibility lies with the coach. I am not stupid,” Lopetegui added.
“But here we win together, and lose together. But I still believe we are in an [early] stage of the season, and Madrid this year will celebrate.”
The Blancos started the 2017-18 season slowly, but recovered to claim a third successive Champions League crown.
Lopetegui may not be given the chance to oversee a similar reversal in fortune, with the likes of Antonio Conte being heavily linked with a post he has only occupied for a matter of months.
He accepted an offer from Madrid while preparing Spain for the 2018 World Cup, with the decision taken to remove him from that role before the action got underway in Russia.
The 52-year-old may be about to be ushered towards another exit, with Real aware that they cannot afford for their current wobble to last much longer.
Trevorn
250
sorry Lopetegui but its too late for that. you were giving the simple task in getting at least a one point from today's match but you had to waste it didn't you. dropping vinicious out of the squad? starting nacho in rb when we definitely needed odrizolia pace to give us A chance to survive? na bro its too late for you. however I did see your brilliance and your hard work but its still not enough.papa Perez already had it in mind to sack you though. its unfortunate but you will be sacked today or tomorrow. off topic: do you know who else is in similar position with him? ty lue. After lebron left cavaliers look at the results.same thing thats happening @ RM .Ronaldo leaves and they start losing. it wasn't even surprising that they fired him...
gamemasterutd
235
to be very frank I think Lopetegui will be sacked tomorrow morning. if not now then when. that was a straight humiliation at camp nou and Madrid need some solid changes to turn things around now and clearly Lopetegui tactics are not working with Madrid. other clear reason of Madrid not doing well is because they do not have cr7 now. it's almost impossible to fill such a great void left by him so as a team Madrid might be struggling to cope up with cr7 absence. Madrid can't get Ronaldo back but atleast they should see certain changes in the coaching and get a new coach.
Mercer7
233
This happens when you dont get full support. Lope asked for reinforcements in Mid, Defense and Attack but was only provided with Mariano. Lopetegui giving everything he can but players are being so reckless that its costing us defeat. Bale, Benzema , Varane, Kroos and Asensio should be dropped from squad for back to back Matches. If Big players arent stepping up, then who will? Lopetegui doing everything to balance this team with tactical changes, rotation etc. Right Man at wrong time. Will be disappointed if he gets sacked. #HalaMadridynadamas.
Bundilmtuy
225
julen out julen out julen out julen out.... thanks for all the lost julen you just leave we dont want to be hurt anymore
Todorov
217
I congratulate Barca for the great and deserved win! Now let’s be honest, Real Madrid have won many games without Ronaldo in the past when he was injured, but right now I believe karma hit the club really bad, not because they sold Ronaldo, but because they disrespected him by saying “we don’t miss him, we are doing great without him”, yes they did good without him in the start, but now they get what they deserve for saying this, it was no need for saying this after all the goals he scored in RM shirt!
zusacpty
213
yes Lopetegui by the time you are ready to turn things around Real Madrid will be out of the champions League and the uefa league next season then Real Madrid will fit the perfect saying From Hero to Zero all thanks to you and Perez
Naven29
197
lopetegui isn't a right guy to handle the madrid.Ronaldo transfer is obvious the main reason.No proper replacement was the main reason.Lopetegui cannot handle Madrid. I want my Madrid Back😐😐😐
GplusShabyamboMwen
148
this coach can't even manage zambia 🇿🇲 national team, this is history he has made cause madrid has never gone down like this in elclasico, and Perez is useless with his decision, the club has won Uefa 3 times nd he is failing to buy sensible player but busy selling big players. I think ac Milan is doing fine than f*cking madrid
Ziadiloy
130
Every coach will have to say something to defend the sorry results which he's producing. The sooner he goes the better for Real Madrid. He may not be a bad coach but he's no luck.
prudent
110
He have a good hope and he will smile if by January transfer they did the needful. Get better active forward. replace the sold 50goals with 100goals machine. The coach shouldn't be the victim.... Papa Perez am looking you in telescope
Victorblinkz20
95
"Lopetegui’s days as Real Madrid boss are numbered, regardless of the outcome of today’s El Clasico. He was never going to be sacked before this game as they didn't want his replacement (Conte) to face the potential of losing to Barca early in his tenure