Carlo Ancelotti backs Real Madrid to return to winning ways against Espanyol

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, right, rules over training as Cristiano Ronalo goes through his paces ahead of Saturday's La Liga encounter with Espanyol. J.J. Guillen/EPA

After winning a remarkable 22-matches in a row, Real Madrid have now lost their last two, but manager Carlo Ancelotti insists there is no need to panic.

During their winning run, Madrid surged to the top of the Spanish Liga table, qualified from their UEFA Champions League group, and won the Club World Cup in Morocco.

However, given how tight the top of the standings are in Spain, Madrid’s 2-1 reverse to Valencia cut their lead down to one point, while the 2-0 defeat to city rivals Atletico in the Copa del Rey last-16 stage leaves Ancelotti’s men on the verge of an early exit.

Real Madrid, who also lost 4-2 to AC Milan in a glamour friendly in Dubai last month, have the chance to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they host Espnayol at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And coach Ancelotti is confident the reigning Champions League holders will return to winning ways.

“Criticism is normal because we won 22 games and now it is normal to seek explanations,” the 55-year-old Italian said.

“But I do not see a serious problem and I am not worried, because I know the team well and I know the commitment they have.

“After the (winning) streak and the holidays, we have not been in a good mental conditions, but physically we are in excellent shape.

“The group is now eager to recover. After the holidays we have dropped but we are keen to win again.”

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