Zidane dismisses crisis talk

Los Merengues have won only once in their last four games, and have lost both of their last two games against Real Zaragoza - in the Copa del Rey final - and Athletic Bilbao.

It is the first time this term that Real have suffered consecutive defeats and has sparked talk in Spain that Real's star-studded but relatively small squad is being stretched beyond its limit.

However, Zidane has come out to refute suggestions of a crisis, and insists talk surrounding Real Madrid becomes sensationalised because of the club's status.

"We have lost two games, that's it. It is in the past," he declared.

"It's like Real Madrid is not allowed to lose a game or two and this I can not accept.

"We will lose others between now and the end of the season and so for this reason we should not become euphoric when things are going well.

"One thing is as ridiculous as the other, there is no need to be alarmed.

"The most important thing is to regain our confidence, our play and our concentration.

"They were two defeats, that's all. We must forget them, above all the Copa del Rey final against Zaragoza which did damage, and now think about Monaco."

Real director of sport Jorge Valdano echoed Zidane's sentiments and remained confident that the team could still achieve glory and both domestic and European fronts.

"The two big objectives of Real Madrid are still in our minds, and I believe that the team could win the (UEFA) Champions League and the league," stated Valdano.

"I don't see any reason for not thinking that we can't win those two championships. Real Madrid isn't in crisis," Valdano declared.

"We have a strange sensation because it's the first time this season that Real Madrid has lost two games in a row.

"But this is the same team with the same players that have won many things so I trust that everything will change very soon."