Carlo Ancelotti has been unimpressed by some aspects of Isco's attitude in recent times and didn't think twice about dropping him when the big guns returned.

The Italian wants more from the former Málaga man. A lot more.

Ancelotti understands Isco feeling like the fall guy and being upset about losing his place when James and Luka Modric came back from injury, but in fact the Spain international was already walking a tightrope in the Real Madrid boss's books.

Carletto had already had a word with the playmaker a couple of times before relegating him back to the bench. He challenged the midfielder to once again adapt his game to the team's needs, something Isco previously did - and to universal acclaim, with the coach's praise among the loudest - earlier in the season when the hugely gifted starlet knuckled down and started running his heart out like never before.

In these talks, the former PSG, Chelsea and Milan supremo tried to impress on Isco the importance of releasing the ball quicker and not running with it as much, something that goes counter to the player's instincts.

Ancelotti remains a big fan of the Andalusian and is convinced that he will play an important role in the business end of the season, but he is eager to see a change, for the 22-year-old to be less selfish in possession.

Isco didn't take being dropped against Rayo well. He was expecting to start and he ended up having a run-in with the coach. Words were exchanged. However, Ancelotti will do everything in his power to avoid the spirit in the dressing room being compromised at this key juncture in the campaign.