'All journalists try to hurt us' – Marcelo blames jealousy for media criticism

Sacha Pisani

'All journalists try to hurt us' – Marcelo blames jealousy for media criticism image

Marcelo blamed jealousy on the part of the media for talks of a crisis at Real Madrid following a slow start to life under Julen Lopetegui.

Lopetegui's future in Madrid has come under fire following a five-match winless streak, though Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League victory over Viktoria Plzen offered some respite for the La Liga giants. 

Madrid sit level on points with Roma at the top of Group G following Tuesday's win, but sit four points back of league leaders Barcelona in La Liga. 

And the former Spain head coach's position is still believed to be in doubt, but the Madrid left-back was quick to share his belief that the talks of crisis were down to "envy" from observers who don't play the game. 

"It's hard when you don't win, but you talk about a crisis like you want to hurt this squad," said Marcelo, who scored in the much-needed triumph.

"All journalists try to hurt us, maybe it's envy because you don't know how to play football."

The Brazilian also came strongly to the backing of his manager, saying: "In my view, he's doing a great job." 

Marcelo was forced off in the victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the Brazil international sustained a knock.

The 30-year-old, however, allayed fears that he would be missing out as his club faced off with rivals Barcelona.

"I feel good now. I took a hard blow and referees have to see those things," Marcelo said.

Madrid boss Lopetegui also sounded hopeful that he would have his star defender back on Sunday.  

"We must wait, it seems a very hard blow, not a muscle problem," he said. "I hope we can have him on Sunday."

Sacha Pisani