Pellegrini determined to fight for Real Madrid job

Manuel Pellegrini is determined to fight for his future at Real Madrid.

Pellegrini has made a solid, if unspectacular, start to life at the Bernabeu, but the foundations collapsed on Tuesday night when his side were hammered 4-0 at third-tier side Alcorcon in the Copa del Rey.

The Chilean coach said: "I have been in Spain for five years and I understand it is something normal for a Real Madrid coach to deal with."

"There have been eight or nine coaches in recent years. I don't think plotting the downfall of the coach is the right way to go."

"But I don't feel attacked. It comes with the job."

Tuesday's defeat was also notable for accusations of a half-time row between Pellegrini and experienced midfielder Guti.

Both coach and player poured cold water on the reports but Guti, who turns 33 on Saturday, was nevertheless left out of the squad for the Getafe game.

"He was never disrespectful," insisted Pellegrini. "Guti and I have spoken a lot one-on-one. I am troubled by the fact that a player has been hurt when he did nothing wrong."

"Every player has a unique attitude and it is my job to get what I need from each one of them."