Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui played down talk of his demise on Saturday, despite doubts over his future ahead of Sunday’s game against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Lopetegui is under severe scrutiny at the Santiago Bernabeu following a run of four defeats in five games (which included a spell of 481 minutes without a goal) before Tuesday’s 2-1 win at home to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League.
Up next is the Clasico and the league game in Barcelona looks likely to decide his fate.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Lopetegui was asked whether there will be life for him at Real after this weekend’s big game.
“I hope to continue breathing,” he said. “I don’t think I’m going to die. Everyone here has 100% energies and those 100% energies are focused on helping the team to win a great match.”
Asked again about his future by another journalist, he said: “I’m not concerned what you are anyone else says. We’re focused on strengthening the things that can help us to improve and prepare for the game.”
And when it was put to him that he should know the press were not making up stories about his predicament, he said: “I have 100% energy now and I won’t waste even a 0.001% to answer your question.”
Lopetegui also says the players were still on his side ahead of Sunday’s Clasico clash.
“They trust me and I trust in them even more,” he said. “We are working well and hard, hoping to give some joy to the fans. We are excited and prepared to play a great game.”
Barcelona will be without the injured Lionel Messi for this weekend’s game, but Lopetegui claims his preparations have not been altered by the Argentine’s absence.
“We are going to focus on this match by thinking about ourselves,” he said. “About optimising our virtues and strengthening them to the maximum. And when we have to defend, defend well.
“In these type of games, we have to be at our best in all aspects. Whether or not a certain player is there or not. Up against us will be a great team and we are also a great team.”
The former Spain coach rejected the idea that this weekend’s match is the most important of his career and admitted his side will have to cut out the mistakes made in recent weeks.
“A Barca-Madrid is without comparison,” he said. “There is so much expectation, but for a coach, every game is important. It will be fundamental for us to avoid making errors, to be efficient in both areas.
"We have to be ambitious.
