Former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado has admitted that he couldn't believe the club's defeat in the Copa del Rey last week.
The Spaniard, who is currently at Blacburn Rovers, declared that the reaction the players show in los Blancos' next few games would demonstrate which of them were not worthy of playing for the club.
"When I heard, the truth is I couldn't believe what happened in Alcorcon," Salgado told Cadena SER.
"I knew that it would be a difficult season and it's normal because they are building [a team]. This is where you have to see whether these players deserve to play for Real Madrid."
"What's happening is that there are seven or eight new players and the pressure to play good football is huge. What's more, they have to break the momentum of a great Barcelona team."
Salgado also believes that the club are demanding too much from the players, who need time to settle into the club.
"The problem is that Real Madrid don't have time to build a team and the players need this time. In these difficult moments you just have to keep your head down, go to training and then go back home."
"You have to endure criticism and know that you are representing Real Madrid, which is the best club in the world."