Xabi Alonso is not currently concerned about Real Madrid's failure to play "rock and roll" football, with his only desire to reverse their current slide.
Madrid visit San Mames to take on Athletic Club in LaLiga on Wednesday, and they could find themselves four points off the summit by kick-off, should Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos have only won one of their last five games in all competitions, beating Olympiacos 4-3 in the Champions League.
They have drawn three successive matches in LaLiga, against Rayo Vallecano (0-0), Elche (2-2) and Girona (1-1), leading to criticism of Alonso in the Spanish media.
When Alonso took the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu in June, the former midfielder pledged to get his old club playing "rock and roll football", but right now, his focus is substance over style.
"We just play football. I'm trying to do my best," he said. "This team, these players, have always tried to give their best. There have been good games, and others were not so good.
"That's why we haven't been able to win in the last few games, because we lacked consistency in our game, but the demand is to always be able to give a higher level."
Alonso also added he had spoken to president Florentino Perez and retained the full backing of the club's hierarchy.
He said: "Yes, we have spoken again, and the conversations were very positive, in a good tone, about wanting to reverse the results. That is what we have talked about.
"We are where we are in the standings, both in LaLiga and in the Champions League. We live with the demands, as well as with the criticism.
"This is something inherent in Real Madrid and at any other football club. But we know where we are and we want to focus on what we can work on, on improving to win games and then, when April and May arrive, we hope to be playing for everything."
Athletic are eighth in LaLiga after beating Levante 2-0 last time out. Ernesto Valverde's side are four points adrift of the top six, but the head coach has a poor record against Madrid.
Valverde has lost 19 of his 29 matches against Madrid in LaLiga, winning nine and drawing four, more defeats than he has suffered against any other club in the competition.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Athletic Club – Alex Berenguer
Last Saturday, against Levante, Berenguer became the first Athletic player to provide two assists in a single LaLiga game since Yuri Berchiche did so against Real Valladolid in February earlier this year.
Berenguer has created 11 chances from set-pieces in LaLiga this campaign, with only three players recording more through the first 14 matchdays.
Real Madrid – Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe has scored 23 goals in 19 games across all competitions this season. Among players in Europe's top five leagues, only Harry Kane has more goals since the end of the Club World Cup, netting 24 times.
The France captain has netted 14 times from an expected goals (xG) tally of 12.7 in LaLiga in 2025-26, converting 20.9% of his 67 shots.