Lopetegui: “We have to believe in what we’re doing”

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui talked to the press ahead of the team’s trip to Vitoria, where they will face Alaves this Saturday in what will be a crucial game for Los Blancos as they try to put their current three-game winless streak. The Spanish coach said that the players need to have faith in what they’re trying to do this year.

”Our aims remain intact and we will improve. We’ve got the same number of points as the team top of LaLiga and in the Champions League we’re certain we can continue the same form we showed against Roma. We have to believe in what we’re doing and work on a game by game basis,” said Lopetegui.

“I’m expecting a hugely demanding game against Alavés, a team who get the very best out of what they’ve got and full of players at their peak,” he added about Alaves, who have played very well this season.

Gareth Bale will be available after missing Tuesday’s match against CSKA Moscow and also the second half of the match in Moscow. Luckily enough for Lopetegui, he isn’t injured.

“He’s a key player. He’s fine and he trained well. He felt some discomfort but picked it up in time before it became anything serious and he’s ready to play,” said Lopetegui about the Welshman.

However, Madrid will be missing key players like Marcelo, Carvajal or Isco Alarcon, all of them injured.

“We’ve still got a few with injuries, particularly Marcelo and now Dani, who could be out for a few weeks. We’ve got Isco with appendicitis and a few other knocks, Bale, for example, but it’s nothing serious. We have to manage the situation and get through it. The more players we have available the better when it comes to making decisions,” concluded the coach while trying to stay positive.