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This is the belief of Julen Lopetegui’s father, who has spoken out in defence of his son’s performance.

Cristiano Ronaldo was still at Los Blancos when Lopetegui took over, but the Portuguese superstar was then sold to the Serie A champions for around £90m.

Lopetegui, whose previous job was the Spain national manger, has been under considerable pressure following a series of losses and was on the brink of being sacked after Madrid's 2-1 loss to Levante in La Liga.

The loss to the side from Valencia was Madrid’s fourth defeat in five matches.

In their next fixture, Lopetegui saw his men secure a 2-1 away win in their Champions League clash against Plzen.

His father, Jose Antonio Lopetegui - a famous Basque weightlifter - gave an interview with El Mundo to defend his son’s record.

"You have to settle for what you have at your disposal," Lopetegui Snr said.

"Cristiano Ronaldo was good.

(Image: EPA/REUTERS)

(Image: REUTERS)

"He was an important player, he scored 50 goals.

"Now, he is missing.

"Now, there is no outstanding goalscorer, not one.

"Nobody has been brought in.

(Image: EPA)

"They talked about Neymar coming in, but nobody arrived... my son has been robbed of 50 goals."

Real Madrid currently sit 9th in La Liga ahead of the El Clasico match, which see them face off against bitter rivals Barcelona.

Lopetegui might have overseen Madrid's worst start to a season since 1984, but his father was clear his son is happy with the squad he has at his disposal.

"He is delighted with the players that he has in the team," Lopetegui Snr said.

(Image: GETTY)

"He told me that he has great people in the team.

"He told me that they have given him everything they have and he doesn't blame the players.

"I can't even watch my son's games, I get nervous.

"My other children and grandchildren will watch it, but I can't see them, it is too difficult for me."