Real Madrid can't afford to be in the 7th even in their worst season, that's the standard Los Blancos set for themselves. But they are in that position right now. Cristiano Ronaldo's departure and Julen Lopetegui's inability to turn the tide around in the absence of that goal machine is widely speculated as the reason behind their current position.
"If you want a dejected coach, then don't look here." were the words of Lopetegui during the press conference ahead Viktoria Plzen. Lopetegui is still having the confidence to turn the tide around. The Real Madrid coach insisted that he is concentrating on his next game and speculations didn't affect him.
Many Spanish tabloids are speculating that Lopetegui won't be in-charge of El Clasico and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez might replace him after the match against Viktoria Plzen. However, Real Madrid squad is really behind their manager and accepts fact that they are playing poor at the moment.
Real Madrid midfielder Isco was quoted as saying "You have to let him work, It would be crazy to sack him in tow months. It is us who are not playing well and scoring enough goals. If you are sacking him then you have to sack all of us. We are confident that we can turn this around."
Though Lopetegui has the confidence of this team, Tabloids are running permutations and combinations for Lopetegui's replacement. Many are pointing towards the direction of former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. Some are insisting that Real Madrid former coaches Zinedine Zidane will take mantle once again.
Real Madrid is currently placed 7th in La Liga, four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona. The Los Blancos will be facing Viktoria Plzen in the upcoming UCL fixture, where they are placed third in their group behind CSKA Moscow and Roma.
