Real Madrid Coach Julen Lopetegui has informed Lionel Messi ‘it would be a mistake’ to underestimate his squad.
The Barcelona star said the European champions were ‘less good’ without Cristiano Ronaldo, but Lopetegui backed his squad to prove the doubters wrong.
“It would be a mistake to doubt these Real Madrid players,” Lopetegui told Onda Cero on Monday night.
“I love this group of players and the work they have done since I have come in is absolutely fantastic, I could not ask for more.
“Vinicius Junior? The most important thing is his excellent mentality, he is eager to learn and grow, to give whatever we ask of him.
“Since he arrived here he has changed his attacking style, more on the left side now, and has a lot of natural ability, it is a matter of time until he features in our first team.
“My goalkeepers? Those conversations are private, but they know the position and understand the competitiveness.
“Cristiano Ronaldo? I did not talk to him, the position was already taken before I arrived and all parties were understanding of this.”
