Real Madrid defender Marcelo has dismissed claims that the team is having an attitude problem. CSKA Moscow thrashed Madrid 3 nil at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League, in what could pass as their heaviest home defeat in an European competition.

The result effectively meant that it was the first time that the Los Blancos were beaten both home and away by another side in the group stages of the UCL, thereby complicating the issues at the club in the ongoing season.

Regardless of the defeat, Marcelo has insisted that Real Madrid do not lack motivation. Speaking after the game, the Brazilian defender said:

‘I don’t think it’s an attitude problem’

‘We never take to the pitch with the wrong attitude but perhaps some of our play may have been interpreted like that [against CSKA].

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‘You always have to play with desire at Real Madrid. There’s a long time until the last 16, we must improve and change the image we’ve given of ourselves. We have to be motivated and flying high at the Bernabeu.’

Disgruntled supporters at the Bernabeu made their feelings known in after the game as whistles could be heard. Madridistas are obviously not used to such poor performances at the Bernabeu, especially in a UEFA Champions League night, a tournament which the Los Merengues have dominated for the past three seasons.

It can be recalled that their last home defeat in the competition came almost a decade ago in 2009. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have not been top notch this season even after the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.

They recently suffered a shock 3 nil defeat to Eibar in the La Liga and questions are beginning to come up concerning Santiago Solari’s ability to lead the side to success this term.

According to Marcelo, the fans had the right to display their emotions and admitted that it is down to the players to improve their performances.

‘When the fans whistle, it’s clear that you have to change something and the fans have every right to do it.

‘We’re hurt but we’re a team and we’re going to work so that it doesn’t happen again. We’re not happy because we can’t play like today and put on a show like that. We tried to give it a good go but the match didn’t go as we expected.

‘At Real Madrid you have to fight until the end. It was difficult to come back from 3-0 although we tried until the final whistle.’