No Real league worries, says Karanka

Aitor Karanka has blamed Real Madrid's poor domestic form on a lack of motivation. "Last year, we promised the president we'd win the Spanish title," explained the defender. "Now we are more focused on the Champions' League."

Real's form in La Liga, where they have taken just five points from six games, has contrasted sharply with their performances in the Champions' League.

The Spanish champions have rattled up ten goals in three impressive victories over Roma, Lokomotiv Moscow and Anderlecht, suggesting that Karanka has a point.

Madrid's defence has been leaking goals in La Liga and Karanka puts that down to their cavalier approach.

"It´s impossible asking Roberto Carlos or Salgado for help at the back because they are also important for the attacking aspect of our way of playing," he explained.

"When the team wins, defenders has nothing to do with it," Karanka concluded. "When the team loses, we are all guilty."

Meanwhile, Real coach Vicente del Bosque reacted to Zinedine Zidane's criticism by insisting he would not change his methods.

The France midfielder had complained that the team needed a 'kick up the backside'.

But his coach explained: "I prefer to be more moderate because I guess a professional should know what do."

"When you shout too much to the players you can cause the wrong reaction," he added.