Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has insisted that his team are "in pretty good shape" amid what has been a difficult period of the season.
Los Blancos suffered back-to-back defeats to Sevilla and Barcelona in La Liga last month and have also been expelled from the Copa del Rey after fielding an ineligible player - Denis Cheryshev - against Cadiz last week.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding both Benitez and club president Florentino Perez, the Spanish club's head coach has launched a strong message of unity.
"The president has made [our stance] clear. It's the truth and there's nothing more to say on our part. [These issues] will be discussed at the next safe date," Benitez told reporters.
"Coming to the best club in the world, I know there is more attention to every detail, but I also know what the situation is and I'm clear on how will I do things. I'll keep working hard and I'm focused on doing my best. We're a great team and we can do great things.
"We've achieved three consecutive victories after the defeat to Barcelona. There's a long way to go, but we're in pretty good shape, better than people think."
Real Madrid will aim to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona when they welcome neighbours Getafe to the Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon.
Matt Law
