Marcelo launches staunch defence of under-fire Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui after first win in six

Marcelo has hit out at the press in a staunch defence of under-fire Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui.

Los Blancos were winless in their previous five games before earning a narrow victory over minnows Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Lopetegui's job at the Bernabeu was looking increasingly untenable and defeat at home against the Czech side may have proved detrimental.

However, following goals from Karim Benzema and Marcelo himself, Real walked away with all three points and the Brazilian took the opportunity to give the manager his full backing in a loaded interview after the match.

"It's hard when you don't win, but you talk about a crisis like you want to hurt this squad," said Marcelo.

"All journalists try to hurt us, maybe it's envy because you don't know how to play football."

"In my view, he's doing a great job."

Marcelo's comments were backed up by club director Emilio Butragueno, who suggested Lopetegui would not be fired before Sunday's Clasico.

Asked directly: "Will Lopetegui be sat on the bench at the Camp Nou?' Butragueno answered: 'Yes, yes, everything is totally normal. We have to stay calm and united."