Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui says he ‘hopes to be still breathing’ after Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona.
Madrid are widely expected to sack Lopetegui if they lose to Barca, with Los Blancos already without a win in their last four League games and coming close to the worst goalless streak of their 116-year history.
However, the Coach said at a Press conference: “I hope to still be breathing after the Clasico. I’m not going to die.
“I’m just focused on my work as a Coach so that my team improves. I’m not thinking about what the Press says.
“I’m 100 percent focused on the team and I won’t waste any of my energy on the speculation, now more than ever.
“We’ll be ready for the match. We’re thinking about ourselves and our qualities, trying to feel empowered.
“We’ll be recognisable. In these matches of maximum demand, we have to give our best version, beyond Messi’s absence. We’ll be facing a great team.
“I accept everything. What you say changes in accordance with the events, trends and dynamics of the week. We’re not interested in that.
“There are several keys in a match of this calibre. Surely it’ll be about the football, playing well.
“After that comes the attitude and mentality, but first of all we’ll have to defend and attack well.
“The situation is reversible. We’re only in October. I think tomorrow is a good match for that. This game is attractive enough for us not to think about anything off the field.
“Obviously the players trust me and I trust them more. That only confirms we’re working well and want to make our fans happy.
“Isco’s been out for a month, so we’ll see how we line up tomorrow. We must improve our efficiency in both boxes. We’ve done good things but without continuity.”
The former Blaugrana goalkeeper was then asked about Sergio Ramos, who came under fire for kicking a ball at youth product Sergio Reguilon in training.
“These are situations that help you [reporters] with your work, but they help us very little,” he added.
“What I like about Sergio Ramos is how he approaches matches. He’s been a fantastic captain. We’re lucky to have a great captain like him.”
