Isco speaks up about late struggles with Real Madrid

Isco is having a fine chance to prove his worth this season. He wasn't an important player under Rafa Benítez, but ever since Zidane took over, he's had the minutes of a starter - only to show that he's not performing as desired. Isco spoke about those struggles last night with the COPE reporters covering the Spanish national team.

"This is being a hard season with plenty of changes, we're hoping to finish this campaign on a good note. I don't think these struggles are entirely James and Isco's fault, things aren't working out well for me this year but I don't think it's our fault," explained Isco, referring to the whistles by the Bernabéu fans.

Isco has had Zidane's trust. "He says he likes me, he trusts me. Right now there are players performing better than me, so I just have to wait a little bit for my chance," he added.

The Spanish playmaker has been rumored to be on his way out to Juventus, but he doesn't want to hear anything about it. "They have to sell papers, I am happy in Madrid with Real Madrid and everything's clear. I have two years left on my contract and I want to stay because I am happy here," Isco said.

Real Madrid will face Barcelona next weekend in what will be the second Clásico of the season. Messi and Co. got an impressive 0-4 win when they visited the Bernabéu back in October, but Isco and his Madrid teammates are hoping to turn things around. "It's true that Barcelona are playing well, but we are Real Madrid and we always compete, we will go there trying to get all three points. I haven't played much with Spain and I am 100% ready to play El Clásico," finished Isco.