Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has rejected claims his team is in team decline.
Ancelotti was speaking ahead of tomorrow's Copa del Rey clash with Villarreal.
He said, "It was difficult to have a high level of condition, but what was not foreseeable were injuries. This has affected a little more. The month of January was complicated, so it was predictable.
"You had to hold on. Tomorrow's game will be difficult. Everyone gives Real Madrid up for dead, but we hope to get out of this dynamic. The season is very long and we are going to play against strong teams, but we are not going to lower our arms. Let's go out, although I don't know when. We hope it will come out tomorrow. This team will compete to the end in all competitions.
"This is a young team. We must talk about the young people who have joined last year and those who will join in the future. It is the beginning of a cycle in this club. Players who are starting are nearing the end of their careers. It is a moment of transition after a fantastic time to another time. The day Karim, Toni or Luka stop, there are others who will take command of this team."