Beckham insists Real Madrid squad not old

Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham insists the squad isn't too old.

After the way they were blown apart by Barcelona on Saturday, questions have been raised over Real's ageing players and their ability to compete at the highest level.

"It is important to continue working and improving. I am not in agreement with those saying our cycle is over. They always say such things after a great club loses an important game and there is also talk of crisis."

"We are second on the table, seven points from the leader. Tuesday we have a very important game (against Bayer Leverkusen) and if we win, we will all be very happy."

Beckham added: "I haven't played for six weeks, so my form wasn't the best. But I need these games to continue improving."